Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 5

English Translation

Those persons who, given to ostentation and pride, and possessed of passion, attachment and strength, undertake severe austerities not sanctioned in the scriptures;

Detailed Commentary

17.5. Explanation: Those who perform severe austerities not enjoined by the scriptures (Ashastravihitam ghoram tapyante ye tapo janah) – Those individuals whose inclination is towards performing severe austerities contrary to the Shastras do not heed the scriptures. Due to their Tamasic intellect, they neither comprehend the Shastras nor desire to follow them. Filled with hypocrisy (dambha) and ego (ahankara), they harbor the belief that others are merely displaying themselves, and they themselves engage in similar self-display. Driven by desire and attachment (Kama-raga-balanvitah) – These individuals are deeply entangled in objects of enjoyment (bhoga padarthas) and stubbornly strive to obtain them. They believe that life is futile if one does not indulge in enjoyments within the human body, and for this reason, they remain engrossed in these material pursuits. Tormenting the elements dwelling in the body (Karshayantah sharirastham bhutagramam) – They inflict suffering upon the body and consider it austerity (tapa), whereas true austerity does not involve afflicting the body. And Me, who dwells within the body (Mam chaivantahsharirastham) – The Lord states that such people do not even acknowledge His existence and act contrary to His will. Special Point: In the fourth verse, the term 'yajante' (worship) is used for devout individuals, whereas here, the term 'tapyante' (perform austerities) is used for those devoid of faith and opposed to the Shastras. For such people, austerity (tapa) itself is venerable, and they consider inflicting suffering upon the body as true tapa. These individuals, who vehemently reject the Shastras, attain lower species (neech yonis) and hell (Naraka) because they are egoistic (ahankari) and do not believe in the scriptures. In the sixteenth chapter, there is a disregard of the Shastras due to negligence; whereas here, there is a deliberate and defiant rejection of them. Connection: The Lord proceeds to describe the process of discerning a person's Shraddha (faith) through their preference for food (Aahara).