Bhagavad Gita 17.18 — Rajasic Austerity: Done for Respect, Honour, and Show Is Unstable
सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् ।
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥ १७.१८ ॥
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Austerity that is practised for the sake of gaining respect, honour, and reverence, and with ostentation, is said here to be rajasic; it is unstable and transitory.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| satkāra | respect; good reception |
| māna | honour; recognition |
| pūjā | reverence; worship |
| artham | for the sake of |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| dambhena | with ostentation; with hypocrisy |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| yat | which |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kriyate | is performed |
| tat | that |
| iha | here |
| proktam | is said to be |
| rājasam | rajasic; of the nature of passion |
| chalam | unstable; fickle |
| adhruvam | transitory; impermanent |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| satkāra | respect; good reception | kriyate | is performed |
| māna | honour; recognition | tat | that |
| pūjā | reverence; worship | iha | here |
| artham | for the sake of | proktam | is said to be |
| tapaḥ | austerity | rājasam | rajasic; of the nature of passion |
| dambhena | with ostentation; with hypocrisy | chalam | unstable; fickle |
| cha | and | adhruvam | transitory; impermanent |
| eva | indeed | ||
| yat | which | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes rājasika austerity, which is practised to gain respect, honour, and worship from others, and is therefore performed with hypocrisy. Its result is unstable and short-lived.
Essence
Austerity as Advertisement
Here the discipline remains outwardly impressive, but its motive is entirely worldly.
Satkāra (reputation as a good person), māna (honour), and pūjā (reverence): The practitioner hopes to be admired as a saint, praised for their discipline, and treated with special respect. The tapas becomes a means of building social standing.
Dambhena caiva yat (and done with hypocrisy): There is a gap between appearance and reality. The person performs the practice to look spiritual rather than to become so.
Calam (unsteady) and adhruvam (impermanent): Lord Krishna says that the result of such austerity is fleeting. It lasts only as long as the audience does, and the benefit disappears when the applause ends. Moreover, the practice itself tends to be inconsistent, because it depends on outside approval.
The verse contains a gentle warning for sincere seekers: even good practices can be stolen by the ego. The danger of spiritual pride is that it hides behind goodness.
Message for Everyday Life (Beware of Performing Your Virtues)
Notice the urge to be seen: Many people today share their discipline, generosity, or lifestyle choices primarily to receive approval. This can quietly shift the motive from growth to display.
Practical approach: Keep some of your good practices private. See whether you can continue them without anyone knowing. Discipline that survives without an audience is truly your own.
Austerity as Advertisement
Here the discipline remains outwardly impressive, but its motive is entirely worldly.
Satkāra (reputation as a good person), māna (honour), and pūjā (reverence): The practitioner hopes to be admired as a saint, praised for their discipline, and treated with special respect. The tapas becomes a means of building social standing.
Dambhena caiva yat (and done with hypocrisy): There is a gap between appearance and reality. The person performs the practice to look spiritual rather than to become so.
Calam (unsteady) and adhruvam (impermanent): Lord Krishna says that the result of such austerity is fleeting. It lasts only as long as the audience does, and the benefit disappears when the applause ends. Moreover, the practice itself tends to be inconsistent, because it depends on outside approval.
The verse contains a gentle warning for sincere seekers: even good practices can be stolen by the ego. The danger of spiritual pride is that it hides behind goodness.
Message for Everyday Life (Beware of Performing Your Virtues)
Notice the urge to be seen: Many people today share their discipline, generosity, or lifestyle choices primarily to receive approval. This can quietly shift the motive from growth to display.
Practical approach: Keep some of your good practices private. See whether you can continue them without anyone knowing. Discipline that survives without an audience is truly your own.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has shown how austerity corrupted by the desire for honour loses its worth. He now describes the lowest form of tapas, driven by delusion and even a wish to harm others.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Applause is short-lived; sincerity lasts.
A polished image cannot replace a polished character.
Pride turns discipline into a stage.
Inner motives anchor outer effort.
Chasing recognition leaves the chaser restless.
The quietest efforts often yield the deepest growth.
Be real before you try to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'satkāra-māna-pūjā' (respect, honour and reverence) mean here?
What is 'dambha' (ostentation or hypocrisy)?
Why is this austerity called 'chala' (unstable) and 'adhruva' (transitory)?
Does this mean one should never be recognised for good practice?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
Explore related topics
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