कर्षयन्त: शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतस: ।
मां चैवान्त: शरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् ॥ ६ ॥
karṣhayantaḥ śharīra-sthaṁ bhūta-grāmam achetasaḥ
māṁ chaivāntaḥ śharīra-sthaṁ tān viddhy āsura-niśhchayān
श्लोक ६: ये मूर्ख मनुष्य न केवल अपने शरीर को पीड़ा देते हैं, बल्कि मुझे भी कष्ट पहुँचाते हैं क्योंकि मैं उनके भीतर ही निवास करता हूँ। निःसंदेह उन्हें आसुरी स्वभाव का मानना चाहिए।
Shloka 6: These foolish individuals torment not only the elements of their own body but also Me, who dwells within. Without a doubt, recognise them as possessing a demoniac nature.
Verse 17.6 of the Bhagavad Gita addresses a critical distinction in spiritual practice - between authentic discipline and misguided austerity. In this verse, Krishna identifies those who engage in extreme physical mortifications without scriptural guidance, calling them "of demoniacal resolves."
The Sanskrit text "कर्षयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः। मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान्॥" reveals a profound insight - these individuals not only torture their physical bodies (composed of the five elements) but also trouble Krishna himself, who resides within as the Supersoul. This verse comes after Krishna has already addressed those who simply set aside scriptures out of difficulty or laziness while maintaining genuine faith. Here, he speaks of those actively opposed to scriptural guidance, driven by pride, ego, and misguided desires.
The core issue isn't austerity itself but the intention behind it. When people undertake severe physical disciplines motivated by "dambhāhankāra-sanyuktāḥ" (hypocrisy and egotism) and "kāma-rāga-balānvitāḥ" (lust, attachment, and force), their actions become spiritually harmful rather than beneficial. These practices might appear impressive externally - extreme fasting, painful rituals, bodily punishments - but inwardly they reinforce ego and desire for recognition rather than genuine devotion.
Krishna's description is particularly striking when he says such people trouble "māṃ chaivāntaḥ śharīra-sthaṃ" - "Me who dwells within the body." This introduces a profound spiritual dimension to self-care: mistreating one's body is not merely a personal choice but affects the divine presence within. The human body is not just material; it houses the sacred, and treating it with unnecessary harshness reflects a spiritual misunderstanding.
The verse doesn't condemn discipline itself. Rather, it distinguishes between austerity aligned with dharma and scripture, which uplifts consciousness, versus self-imposed harshness born of ego that leads to further entanglement. Throughout history, even in texts like the Ramayana, we find examples of demons performing severe austerities not for spiritual growth but to gain power for selfish ends.
This teaching reminds us to examine our motivations behind spiritual practices. Are our disciplines making us more humble, compassionate, and peaceful? Or are they making us rigid, judgmental, and proud? The outer form of devotion can be deceptive; what matters is the state of heart behind the practice. True discipline should leave one lighter and more connected, not burdened and isolated.
Krishna's warning extends beyond formal religious practice to our modern context. Whether in family traditions, workplace culture, or personal health regimens, we can observe how disciplines undertaken with the wrong spirit - whether rigid fasting, overworking, or extreme self-denial - often harm rather than help. The verse invites us to approach all forms of discipline with sincerity, humility, and alignment with higher principles, recognizing that intention transforms the nature of every action.
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