“Worship of gods, Brahmins, gurus, and the wise; purity, uprightness, celibacy, nonviolence—these are bodily austerity.”
Key Teaching: Bodily austerity includes worship, purity, and nonviolence.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna defines bodily austerity as worship of gods, Brahmins, gurus, and the wise, along with purity, uprightness, celibacy, and nonviolence. This verse, continuing 17.13, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes austerity, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, and Karma Yoga, as he focuses on disciplined action, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s reverence (1.28–46) aligns with this austerity, contrasting Duryodhana’s irreverence (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (14.6) and Karma Yoga (2.47), emphasizing disciplined conduct. Krishna builds on tamasic sacrifice (17.13), introducing austerity.
Philosophically, the verse promotes disciplined living, a theme refined with teachings on sattva (14.6). Arjuna’s path is clarified by practicing bodily austerity. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through discipline. The verse connects to teachings on nonviolence (6.14).
Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s discipline, where austerity liberates. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to practice reverence, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s disciplined duty.
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