Chapter 16, Verse 17
आत्मसम्भाविता: स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विता: |
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ॥17॥
ātma-sambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhana-māna-mada-anvitāḥ |
yajante nāma-yajñais te dambhenāvidhi-pūrvakam
"Self-conceited, haughty, filled with pride and intoxication of wealth, they perform sacrifices which are so in name only, with ostentation and regardless of the injunctions."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.17 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna describes the hypocritical nature of individuals with demoniac tendencies. They are 'ātma-sambhāvitāḥ' (self-honored) and 'stabdhā' (stubbornly arrogant). Their religious acts are 'nāma-yajñaiḥ'—ceremonies performed in name only to gain social status. True spirituality requires humility and adherence to 'vidhi' (scriptural injunctions), whereas these individuals act out of 'dambha' (ostentation), ignoring the internal purification that sacrifice is meant to achieve. As noted in the Mahabharata, advertising one's piety actually depletes its spiritual merit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.17?
Self-conceited, haughty, filled with pride and intoxication of wealth, they perform sacrifices which are so in name only, with ostentation and regardless of the injunctions.