Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Verse 18 Meaning

The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

BG 17.18

सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत्।क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम्

satkāra-māna-pūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena chaiva yat kriyate tad iha proktaṁ rājasaṁ chalam adhruvam

Meaning

The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

In The Yoga of Threefold Faith (Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga), Krishna explains How faith manifests according to the three modes of nature.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

How faith manifests according to the three modes of nature.

Key themes in this chapter include Faith, Food, Sacrifice, Charity.

When to Apply This Verse

  • When you need steadiness while dealing with faith
  • When practicing food amid uncertainty
  • When applying sacrifice to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 17.18?
The austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient. This verse emphasizes faith with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.18 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on food and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

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← Back to Chapter 17: The Yoga of Threefold Faith

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