Bhagavad Gita 17.14 — Austerity of the Body: Reverence, Purity, Simplicity, Self-Restraint, and Non-Violence
देवद्विजगुरुप्राज्ञपूजनं शौचमार्जवम् ।
ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते ॥ १७.१४ ॥
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Worship of the gods, the twice-born, the spiritual teacher, and the wise; purity, simplicity, continence, and non-violence—these are said to be the austerity of the body.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| deva | the gods; divine beings |
| dvija | the twice-born; the wise and learned |
| guru | the spiritual teacher |
| prājña | the wise; the knowledgeable |
| pūjanam | worship; reverence |
| śhaucham | purity; cleanliness |
| ārjavam | simplicity; straightforwardness |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| brahmacharyam | self-restraint; continence |
| ahiṁsā | non-violence |
| cha | and |
| śhārīram | of the body; physical |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| uchyate | is said to be |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| deva | the gods; divine beings | brahmacharyam | self-restraint; continence |
| dvija | the twice-born; the wise and learned | ahiṁsā | non-violence |
| guru | the spiritual teacher | cha | and |
| prājña | the wise; the knowledgeable | śhārīram | of the body; physical |
| pūjanam | worship; reverence | tapaḥ | austerity |
| śhaucham | purity; cleanliness | uchyate | is said to be |
| ārjavam | simplicity; straightforwardness | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna begins to explain true austerity by describing the tapas of the body. It consists of reverence for the worthy, purity, honesty, self-restraint, and non-violence, a far cry from the harsh self-torture condemned earlier.
Essence
The Discipline of the Body
In verses 5 and 6, Lord Krishna rejected severe, ego-driven austerity. Now he shows what genuine austerity looks like, and it turns out to be a refinement of conduct rather than a punishment of the body.
Deva-dvija-guru-prājña-pūjanam (reverence for the divine, the learned, the teacher, and the wise): Humility towards those who embody higher qualities opens the mind to growth. Respect is itself a discipline for the ego.
Śaucam (cleanliness): Both outer cleanliness of body and surroundings and inner purity of thought and livelihood.
Ārjavam (straightforwardness): Simplicity and honesty in behaviour, with no scheming or pretence.
Brahmacarya (self-restraint, especially mastery over desire): Channelling one's energy wisely rather than being ruled by the senses.
Ahiṁsā (non-violence): Refraining from harming any being in action, and, in a deeper sense, in thought.
These five practices show that the body is meant to be trained, not tortured. Austerity here is a way of living gracefully and responsibly with one's body and with others.
Message for Everyday Life (Quiet Strength in Conduct)
Real discipline is visible in behaviour: Respecting elders and teachers, keeping oneself and one's surroundings clean, being honest, and treating others gently are everyday austerities that require genuine strength.
Practical approach: Choose one of these five and practise it consciously for a week, for example, speaking to everyone with respect or keeping your space orderly. Small steady disciplines transform character more than dramatic gestures.
The Discipline of the Body
In verses 5 and 6, Lord Krishna rejected severe, ego-driven austerity. Now he shows what genuine austerity looks like, and it turns out to be a refinement of conduct rather than a punishment of the body.
Deva-dvija-guru-prājña-pūjanam (reverence for the divine, the learned, the teacher, and the wise): Humility towards those who embody higher qualities opens the mind to growth. Respect is itself a discipline for the ego.
Śaucam (cleanliness): Both outer cleanliness of body and surroundings and inner purity of thought and livelihood.
Ārjavam (straightforwardness): Simplicity and honesty in behaviour, with no scheming or pretence.
Brahmacarya (self-restraint, especially mastery over desire): Channelling one's energy wisely rather than being ruled by the senses.
Ahiṁsā (non-violence): Refraining from harming any being in action, and, in a deeper sense, in thought.
These five practices show that the body is meant to be trained, not tortured. Austerity here is a way of living gracefully and responsibly with one's body and with others.
Message for Everyday Life (Quiet Strength in Conduct)
Real discipline is visible in behaviour: Respecting elders and teachers, keeping oneself and one's surroundings clean, being honest, and treating others gently are everyday austerities that require genuine strength.
Practical approach: Choose one of these five and practise it consciously for a week, for example, speaking to everyone with respect or keeping your space orderly. Small steady disciplines transform character more than dramatic gestures.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the austerity of the body. He now turns to the austerity of speech, a field in which most people stumble every day.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Bow to wisdom, and wisdom will bow to you.
A clean life leaves room for a clear mind.
Honesty needs no disguise.
Self-mastery is quiet strength.
The strongest hand is the one that chooses not to harm.
Small daily practices build great character.
Treat the body as a sacred tool, not a master.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five items listed under 'śhārīra tapas' (austerity of the body)?
What does 'dvija' (twice-born) mean in this verse?
What does 'brahmacharyam' (self-restraint) mean?
Is 'ahiṁsā' (non-violence) only about not hurting others physically?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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