Chapter 17 • Verse 6
कर्षयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः। मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान्॥
karṣhayantaḥ śharīra-sthaṁ bhūta-grāmam achetasaḥ māṁ chaivāntaḥ śharīra-sthaṁ tān viddhy āsura-niśhchayān
Meaning
...torturing the elements in the body and also Me dwelling within — know them to be of demoniac resolve.
Those who torture the body's elements and thus torture the Divine within are of demoniac nature. God dwells in the body; self-harm is harming God's temple. Such extreme practices are condemned, not praised.
Strength Reflection
"I honor my body as God's dwelling, not tormenting it through extremism."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, dwelling within me, let me honor You by treating my body wisely.