Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 19 (BG 17.19) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

17.19 मूढग्राहेण out of a foolish notion? आत्मनः of the self? यत् which? पीडया with torture? क्रियते is practised? तपः austerity? परस्य of another? उत्सादनार्थम् for the purpose of destroying? वा or? तत् that? तामसम् Tamasic? उदाहृतम् is declared.Commentary Some burn sulphur in a pot and place it on their head. Some thrust hooks of iron into their flesh. Some hang themselves with their head downwards over fire and swallow smoke. Some stand in cold water immersed up to the neck. Some torture the body by lighting fires on the four sides (with the sun as the fifth fire -- this is known as the Panchagni Tapas). Some sit in the centre of a circle of fire. Such austerities are Tamasic. These will not help one to attain knowledge of the Self.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.

This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.

Modern

The meaning of this verse is self-evident. A practitioner of austerity must possess true understanding of the nature of tapasya, its purpose, and its proper method. Without this knowledge, the seeker cannot advance on the path of harmonizing their personality and realizing the Self. When one misunderstands the tapasya prescribed by the Vedas, one can only inflict suffering upon oneself through it. Such self-torment cannot express the beauty of the purified soul; it can only paint a ridiculous caricature of our complete nature. The fruit of ignorant, tamasic austerity can only be a distorted personality, corrupted emotions, and base ideals. Charity too has three types, which shall be explained in the next verse.