Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.6 कर्षयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः
श्लोक 17.6
कर्षयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः ।
मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् ॥
karṣayantaḥ śarīrasthaṃ bhūtagrāmamacetasaḥ |
māṃ caivāntaḥśarīrasthaṃ tānviddhyāsuraniścayān ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
और जो विवेकहीन होकर शरीर के तत्वों को तथा शरीर के भीतर स्थित मुझ परमात्मा को भी कष्ट देते हैं, उन्हें आसुरी निश्चय वाला जानो।
Meaning in English
senselessly tormenting the elements of the body and me who dwell within the body, know them to be of demoniac resolve.
Bhagavad Gita 17.6 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कर्षयन्तः | karṣayantaḥ | tormenting |
| शरीरस्थम् | śarīra-stham | dwelling in the body |
| भूतग्रामम् | bhūta-grāmam | the aggregate of elements |
| अचेतसः | acetasaḥ | the thoughtless |
| माम् | mām | me |
| च एव | ca eva | and also |
| अन्तःशरीरस्थम् | antaḥ-śarīra-stham | dwelling within the body |
| तान् | tān | them |
| विद्धि | viddhi | know |
| आसुरनिश्चयान् | āsura-niścayān | of demonic resolve |
Explanation
Senseless, they torment the elements that make up the body and torment me too, who dwell within the body. Know them to be of demonic resolve. Completing the previous verse, Krishna says that extreme austerities harm not only the physical body but also insult the divine presence that lives within it.
Shankara explains bhūta-grāma as the group of elements and organs composing the body, and mām as the Lord who witnesses from within. To torture the body is thus to disregard the indwelling Self. The word āsura-niścayān links these practitioners to the demonic nature of chapter 16. Commentators read the verse alongside 6.16–17, which praises moderation, and see in it the Gita's view that the body is a temple to be cared for and used well, not an enemy to be crushed.
भावार्थ
वे मूर्ख लोग शरीर में स्थित पंचभूतों को और शरीर के भीतर रहने वाले मुझ परमात्मा को भी कष्ट देते हैं। उन्हें आसुरी निश्चय वाला जानो। शरीर को सताना भीतर बसे परमात्मा का अनादर है।
Living it today
Treat your body as the home of something sacred. Fasting, exercise and discipline should strengthen it, not harm it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.6?
Senseless, they torment the elements that make up the body and torment me too, who dwell within the body. Know them to be of demonic resolve. Completing the previous verse, Krishna says that extreme austerities harm not only the physical body but also insult the divine presence that lives within it.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.6?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.6 in daily life?
Treat your body as the home of something sacred. Fasting, exercise and discipline should strengthen it, not harm it.
Reflected on verse 17.6?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.