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Chapter 17 • Verse 18
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes rajasic austerity—austerity that is rajasic. 'Satkāra-māna-pūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena caiva yat kriyate'—that austerity (tapas) which is performed (kriyate) for the sake of respect (satkāra), honor (māna), and worship (pūjā), and with hypocrisy (dambhena). 'Tad iha proktaṁ rājasaṁ calam adhruvam'—that is declared (proktam) here (iha) to be rajasic (rājasam), unstable (calam), and impermanent (adhruvam). Rajasic austerity is performed for recognition and show, driven by desire for respect and honor. It's unstable and impermanent because it depends on external validation. Understanding this helps you recognize rajasic austerity and move toward sattvic austerity.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that rajasic austerity is performed for the sake of respect, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy. Rajasic austerity is unstable and impermanent because it depends on external validation. When you practice for recognition and show, driven by desire for respect, your practice is unstable. Understanding this helps you recognize rajasic austerity and move toward sattvic austerity, which is stable and permanent because it's based on internal faith. The goal isn't to judge rajasic austerity—it's to recognize it and gradually move toward sattvic austerity.
Personal Reflection
Do you practice austerity for recognition and show? Is your practice unstable and dependent on external validation? How can you move toward sattvic austerity?
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