Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Verse 5 Meaning

Those men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment.

BG 17.5

अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तप्यन्ते ये तपो जनाः।दम्भाहङ्कारसंयुक्ताः कामरागबलान्विताः

aśhāstra-vihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapyante ye tapo janāḥ dambhāhankāra-sanyuktāḥ kāma-rāga-balānvitāḥ

Meaning

Those men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: Those men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment.

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 17.5?
Those men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment. This verse emphasizes faith with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.5 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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