Chapter 17, Verse 6
कर्षयन्त: शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतस: | मां चैवान्त:शरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् ॥6॥
karṣayantaḥ śarīrasthaṁ bhūtagrāmamacetasaḥ | māṁ caivāntaḥśarīrasthaṁ tānviddhyāsuraniścayān ||6||
"Know those senseless persons to be of demoniacal resolves, who torture the aggregate of elements in the body and Me also, who dwell within the body."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.6 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.6 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna identifies a category of misguided 'austerity' where individuals, driven by ego and lack of scriptural wisdom, inflict physical pain upon themselves. By torturing the body (the bhūtagrāmam), they are effectively torturing the Indwelling Supersoul (Paramatman). This verse emphasizes that true spirituality is not about self-mortification or masochism, but about honoring the body as a temple of the Divine. Such extreme, ego-driven penance is classified as 'Asuric' (demoniacal) because it stems from ignorance and pride rather than devotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.6?
Know those senseless persons to be of demoniacal resolves, who torture the aggregate of elements in the body and Me also, who dwell within the body.