The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

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.