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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

17.16 17.18

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.17

Austerities of body, speech and mind

Prakṛti · Material nature

श्रद्धया परया तप्‍तं तपस्तत्‍त्रिविधं नरै: ।

अफलाकाङ्‌‍क्षिभिर्युक्तै: सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते ॥ १७ ॥

śraddhayā parayā taptaṁ

tapas tat tri-vidhaṁ naraiḥ

aphalākāṅkṣibhir yuktaiḥ

sāttvikaṁ paricakṣate

Translation

This threefold austerity, performed with transcendental faith by men not expecting material benefits but engaged only for the sake of the Supreme, is called austerity in goodness.

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 in Goodness

1
Threefold austerity done with transcendental faith, only for the Supreme and without seeking material benefits, is in goodness.
2
The purpose is to serve the Supreme, not to gain material rewards.
3
Practice austerity with faith, keeping the Supreme as your purpose.

Key points from the purport

Austerity in goodness

Done with transcendental faith

Not expecting material benefits

Only for the sake of supreme