Bhagavad Gita 17.5 — Severe Austerities Without Scriptural Basis Spring from Ego and Desire
अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तप्यन्ते ये तपो जनाः ।
दम्भाहङ्कारसंयुक्ताः कामरागबलान्विताः ॥ १७.५ ॥
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Those people who perform terrible austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, who are full of hypocrisy and egotism, and who are impelled by the force of desire and attachment...
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aśhāstravihitam | not prescribed by the scriptures |
| ghoram | terrible; severe; extreme |
| tapyante | perform; undergo |
| ye | who |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| janāḥ | people |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dambha | hypocrisy; ostentation |
| ahaṅkāra | egotism |
| saṁyuktāḥ | full of; endowed with |
| kāma | desire |
| rāga | attachment |
| bala | force; strength |
| anvitāḥ | impelled by; possessed of |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aśhāstravihitam | not prescribed by the scriptures | dambha | hypocrisy; ostentation |
| ghoram | terrible; severe; extreme | ahaṅkāra | egotism |
| tapyante | perform; undergo | saṁyuktāḥ | full of; endowed with |
| ye | who | kāma | desire |
| tapaḥ | austerity | rāga | attachment |
| janāḥ | people | bala | force; strength |
| anvitāḥ | impelled by; possessed of | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes people who practise severe austerities that are not prescribed by the scriptures. Such practices, he says, are fuelled not by genuine spiritual aspiration but by hypocrisy, ego, desire, and attachment.
Essence
When Austerity Becomes Self-Display
Austerity (tapas) is a respected spiritual discipline. But Lord Krishna points out that austerity can also be distorted and used for the wrong reasons. Here he describes people whose practice has gone astray.
Aśāstra-vihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapaḥ (terrible austerities not ordained by the scriptures): The word ghora means fierce or terrible. These are extreme practices such as prolonged fasting to the point of harm, self-inflicted pain, or exhausting disciplines invented without any guidance, wisdom, or purpose. They are not part of the balanced path taught by the Gita.
Dambha (hypocrisy and show) and ahaṅkāra (ego): Behind the outward severity lies the desire to impress others or to feel superior. The person wants to be seen as great, to be admired, or to gain a reputation for spiritual power.
Kāma (desire), rāga (attachment), and bala (force of obstinacy): The austerity is further driven by craving for results such as powers, honours, or worldly gain, along with attachment to one's own notions and a stubborn, forceful willpower. It is not a calm, devoted discipline but an aggressive assertion of the ego.
The verse teaches a subtle but vital lesson: the value of a spiritual practice lies not in how hard it appears, but in the purity of the motive and the wisdom behind it. Hardship does not by itself make anything holy.
Message for Everyday Life (Beware of Extremes and Show)
Do not confuse severity with sincerity: Whether in fitness, study, work, or spiritual practice, some people push themselves to extremes to prove something to the world or to themselves. This often leads to burnout rather than growth.
Practical approach: Choose disciplines that are guided by wisdom, balanced, and sustainable. Regularly ask: Am I doing this for growth, or to be admired? A quiet, steady practice done with a pure motive is far more powerful than dramatic displays of struggle.
When Austerity Becomes Self-Display
Austerity (tapas) is a respected spiritual discipline. But Lord Krishna points out that austerity can also be distorted and used for the wrong reasons. Here he describes people whose practice has gone astray.
Aśāstra-vihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapaḥ (terrible austerities not ordained by the scriptures): The word ghora means fierce or terrible. These are extreme practices such as prolonged fasting to the point of harm, self-inflicted pain, or exhausting disciplines invented without any guidance, wisdom, or purpose. They are not part of the balanced path taught by the Gita.
Dambha (hypocrisy and show) and ahaṅkāra (ego): Behind the outward severity lies the desire to impress others or to feel superior. The person wants to be seen as great, to be admired, or to gain a reputation for spiritual power.
Kāma (desire), rāga (attachment), and bala (force of obstinacy): The austerity is further driven by craving for results such as powers, honours, or worldly gain, along with attachment to one's own notions and a stubborn, forceful willpower. It is not a calm, devoted discipline but an aggressive assertion of the ego.
The verse teaches a subtle but vital lesson: the value of a spiritual practice lies not in how hard it appears, but in the purity of the motive and the wisdom behind it. Hardship does not by itself make anything holy.
Message for Everyday Life (Beware of Extremes and Show)
Do not confuse severity with sincerity: Whether in fitness, study, work, or spiritual practice, some people push themselves to extremes to prove something to the world or to themselves. This often leads to burnout rather than growth.
Practical approach: Choose disciplines that are guided by wisdom, balanced, and sustainable. Regularly ask: Am I doing this for growth, or to be admired? A quiet, steady practice done with a pure motive is far more powerful than dramatic displays of struggle.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the motives behind these misguided austerities. In the next verse he reveals the deeper harm they cause and the name by which he describes such people.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Strength without wisdom is only force.
Pride can turn even humility into a performance.
Ask why you strive before asking how hard.
The middle path is often the harder one.
What is done to be seen is rarely done to be free.
A good teacher saves years of misdirected effort.
The first austerity is to be truthful with oneself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'aśhāstravihitam' (not prescribed by the scriptures) mean here?
What does 'tapas' (austerity) normally mean?
What are 'dambha' (hypocrisy) and 'ahaṅkāra' (egotism) doing in this verse?
What do 'kāma' (desire), 'rāga' (attachment) and 'bala' (force) indicate?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
Explore related topics
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