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Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Character & ethicsChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith

17.13 17.15

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.14

Austerities of body, speech and mind

Prakṛti · Material nature

देवद्विजगुरुप्राज्ञपूजनं शौचमार्जवम् ।

ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते ॥ १४ ॥

deva-dvija-guru-prājña-

pūjanaṁ śaucam ārjavam

brahmacaryam ahiṁsā ca

śārīraṁ tapa ucyate

Translation

Austerity of the body consists in worship of the Supreme Lord, the brāhmaṇas, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother, and in cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Austerity of the Body

1
Bodily austerity includes worship of the Supreme Lord, brāhmaṇas, the spiritual master and elders, along with cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence.
2
Prabhupāda explains that cleanliness is both outer and inner, behavior should follow scripture, and celibacy means no sex outside marriage.
3
Practice simple behavior and give proper respect to God, your spiritual master, your parents and those who know Vedic teachings.

Key points from the purport

Austerity of body (5 points)

Worship of the Supreme Lord, brahmanas, the spiritual master and superiors like father and mother

Cleanliness

Simplicity

Celibacy and

Non-violence