BG 17.19
Austerities born of ignorance are practiced with deluded notions or the infliction of pain.
परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्
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mūḍha-grāheṇātmano — those confused of one's purpose
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mūḍha — confused, deluded
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grāheṇātmano — endeavor of the self
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yat — which
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pīḍayā — torturing
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kriyate — is performed
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tapaḥ — austerity
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parasyotsādanārthaṁ — for harming others
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parasya — of others
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utsādana-artham — for harming
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vā — or
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tat — that
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tāmasam — in the mode of ignorance
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udāhṛitam — is described to be
Worship of the gods, twice-borns, elders, and the wise, purity, honesty, straightforwardness, and nonviolence, are all austerities of the body. Austerity of speech is only speaking that which causes no pain, carries the truth, is pleasant and beneficial to hear - like recitation of the scriptures. Serenity of mind, benevolence, silence, self-control, and mental purity, are all austerities of the mind. These three austerities, performed with faith and without concern toward reward, are the austerities of purity. An austerity born of passion is practiced for the sake of respect, honor, reverence, and praise. Austerities born of ignorance are practiced with deluded notions or the infliction of pain.
Similar verses
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There are those who practice austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, enslaved to hypocrisy and their own ego, carried away by desire and passion.
- Verse 17.5
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These three austerities, performed with faith and without concern toward reward, are the austerities of purity.
- Verse 17.17
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An austerity born of passion is practiced for the sake of respect, honor, reverence, and praise.
- Verse 17.18
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Worship of the gods, twice-borns, elders, and the wise, purity, honesty, straightforwardness, and nonviolence, are all austerities of the body.
- Verse 17.14
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With self-control and firm resolve, others sacrifice their material wealth and perform austerities. Some ascetics take rigid vows, offering the study of scriptures and knowledge as sacrifice.
- Verse 4.28