Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.17 श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः
श्लोक 17.17
श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः ।
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते ॥
śraddhayā parayā taptaṃ tapastattrividhaṃ naraiḥ |
aphalākāṅkṣibhiryuktaiḥ sāttvikaṃ paricakṣate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जब फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले, स्थिर मन के लोग परम श्रद्धा के साथ यह तीनों प्रकार का तप करते हैं, तो उसे सात्त्विक कहा जाता है।
Meaning in English
When this threefold austerity is practised with supreme faith by steady people who seek no reward, it is called sattvic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.17 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| श्रद्धया | śraddhayā | with faith |
| परया | parayā | supreme |
| तप्तम् | taptam | performed |
| तपः | tapaḥ | austerity |
| तत् | tat | that |
| त्रिविधम् | tri-vidham | threefold |
| नरैः | naraiḥ | by people |
| अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिः | aphala-ākāṅkṣibhiḥ | not desiring reward |
| युक्तैः | yuktaiḥ | steadfast, disciplined |
| सात्त्विकम् | sāttvikam | sattvic |
| परिचक्षते | paricakṣate | they call |
Explanation
This threefold austerity, of body, speech and mind, when practised with supreme faith by steadfast people who seek no reward, is called sattvic. The same disciplines just described can be performed in different spirits; done with deep faith and without craving for results, they reach their highest quality.
Having described the content of tapas in 17.14–16, Krishna now classifies it by the gunas, as he did with sacrifice. The marks of sattvic tapas parallel those of sattvic sacrifice in 17.11: faith, no desire for reward and a steady mind. Shankara explains yukta as concentrated or balanced. Commentators note that it is the attitude, not the outward severity, that makes austerity sattvic, in keeping with the Gita's warning against harsh practices in 17.5–6.
भावार्थ
फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले, एकाग्र मनुष्यों द्वारा परम श्रद्धा से किया गया यह तीन प्रकार का तप सात्त्विक कहा जाता है। तप का मूल्य उसकी कठोरता में नहीं, उसके भाव में है।
Living it today
Practise discipline with trust and patience rather than for quick results. Faith and steadiness make even small efforts powerful.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.17?
This threefold austerity, of body, speech and mind, when practised with supreme faith by steadfast people who seek no reward, is called sattvic. The same disciplines just described can be performed in different spirits; done with deep faith and without craving for results, they reach their highest quality.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.17?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.17 in daily life?
Practise discipline with trust and patience rather than for quick results. Faith and steadiness make even small efforts powerful.
Reflected on verse 17.17?
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