Chapter 17 • Verse 19
मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः। परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्॥
mūḍha-grāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā tat tāmasam udāhṛitam
Meaning
Austerity performed with foolish obstinacy, with self-torture, or for the purpose of harming another — that is declared to be tamasic.
Tamasic austerity is done with stubborn foolishness, tortures oneself, or aims to harm others. Self-mortification from ignorance or practices to gain power over others are spiritually destructive.
Strength Reflection
"I reject foolish, self-torturing, or harmful forms of austerity."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, protect me from misguided practices that harm myself or others.