Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 14

English Translation

The worship of gods, twice-borns, venerable persons and the wise; purity, straightforwardness, celibacy and non-injury,-are said to be bodily austerity.

Detailed Commentary

Devadvijaguruprajña-pūjanam: Here, the term 'Deva' specifically refers to Vishnu, Shankar, Ganesha, Shakti, and Surya. One should worship their chosen deity (Ishta-devata) among these with a desireless attitude (nishkama bhava). The twelve Adityas, eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, and two Ashwini Kumars are also called Devas. Those deities whose worship is prescribed during Yajna, Tirthas, Vratas, etc., should also be considered Devas. The worship of deities is prescribed in the Shastras; therefore, we should worship with a desireless attitude. The implication is that deities should be worshipped on the days specified in the Shastras. The term 'Dvija' denotes Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, but here, in the context of worship, it should be understood as referring to Brahmanas. Parents, Acharyas (teachers), and spiritual preceptors should be understood within the term 'Guru'. To serve and gain the satisfaction of Dvijas and Gurus constitutes their worship. The term 'Prajña' refers to a Jivanmukta Mahapurusha (an enlightened great soul). To respect the words and principles of such a Mahapurusha is their worship. Dvijas and Gurus are to be revered from a worldly perspective, whereas a Prajña is to be revered from a spiritual perspective. Shaucham: Purifying the body with water and earth is Shaucha (purity/cleanliness). This leads to the purification of the inner self (Antahkarana). Shaucha brings awareness of the body's impurity, enabling one to transcend the body. This prevents bodily ego, and its importance is stated in the Shastras. Arjavam: Abandoning the body's stiffness and arrogance is Arjava (straightforwardness/sincerity). The absence of pride brings simplicity to the body and its actions. Brahmacharyam: There are eight actions that violate Brahmacharya (celibacy), such as desiring sexual union with a woman. These are the eight forms of sexual activity (Maithuna Kriyas). The absence of any of these actions is Brahmacharya. Brahmacharis, Vanaprasthas, and Sannyasis should not experience seminal emission. Only a Grihastha (householder) may occasionally engage in sexual union according to scriptural injunctions, for the purpose of procreation. Widows observe the Dharma of Pativrata (devotion to husband) while their husband is alive, and thereafter observe Brahmacharya. Ahimsa: The absence of all forms of violence is Ahimsa (non-violence). Violence arises from four basic emotions: selfishness (Svartha), anger (Krodha), greed (Lobha), and delusion/folly (Moodhata). Ahimsa is the absence of all these. Shariram Tapa Uchyate: The worship of Devas, Shaucha, Arjava, Brahmacharya, and Ahimsa are considered forms of physical Tapas (austerity). That Tapas is superior which is practiced with self-restraint (samyam) in accordance with the injunctions of Shastra and societal norms. It involves the control of the body, mind, and senses. Both Yamas and Niyamas are mentioned in Ashtanga Yoga, but Yamas hold greater importance. Self-restraint (samyam) and renunciation (tyaga) should be prioritized because Tyaga leads to the realization of the Paramatma (Supreme Self). External Tapas alone does not lead to the realization of Paramatma, but it can be supportive. The Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) should observe the Yamas and also, from time to time, the Niyamas.