Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.18 सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत्
श्लोक 17.18
सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् ।
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥
satkāramānapūjārthaṃ tapo dambhena caiva yat |
kriyate tadiha proktaṃ rājasaṃ calamadhruvam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो तप सत्कार, मान और पूजा पाने के लिए दिखावे के साथ किया जाता है, उसे यहाँ राजसी कहा गया है; वह चंचल और अस्थायी होता है।
Meaning in English
Austerity performed with show, to gain respect, honour and reverence, is called rajasic here; it is unsteady and does not last.
Bhagavad Gita 17.18 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| सत्कारमानपूजार्थम् | satkāra-māna-pūjā-artham | for the sake of respect, honour and reverence |
| तपः | tapaḥ | austerity |
| दम्भेन | dambhena | with ostentation |
| च एव यत् | ca eva yat | and which |
| क्रियते | kriyate | is performed |
| तत् | tat | that |
| इह | iha | here |
| प्रोक्तम् | proktam | is said to be |
| राजसम् | rājasam | rajasic |
| चलम् | calam | unstable |
| अध्रुवम् | adhruvam | impermanent |
Explanation
Austerity that is performed with ostentation, to gain respect, honour and reverence, is called rajasic here; it is unstable and fleeting. When discipline becomes a way to win admiration, its benefits are as shaky and short-lived as the praise it seeks.
Shankara explains satkāra as being spoken of as a good person, māna as being greeted with respect, and pūjā as receiving worship. The words cala and adhruva describe both the austerity and its fruit: it lasts only as long as the audience does. Commentators connect this to the dambha that runs through chapters 16 and 17. The verse warns that the very practices meant to dissolve the ego can be turned into fuel for it.
भावार्थ
जो तप सत्कार, मान और पूजा पाने के लिए दिखावे के साथ किया जाता है, वह राजसी कहा गया है। वह चंचल और अस्थिर होता है। प्रशंसा समाप्त होते ही ऐसे तप का फल भी समाप्त हो जाता है।
Living it today
If you fast, meditate or volunteer, consider keeping it quiet. Discipline done for praise fades when the praise stops.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.18?
Austerity that is performed with ostentation, to gain respect, honour and reverence, is called rajasic here; it is unstable and fleeting. When discipline becomes a way to win admiration, its benefits are as shaky and short-lived as the praise it seeks.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.18?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.18 in daily life?
If you fast, meditate or volunteer, consider keeping it quiet. Discipline done for praise fades when the praise stops.
Reflected on verse 17.18?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.