Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 17.5

“Those who perform severe austerities not enjoined by scriptures, driven by hypocrisy and ego, impelled by desire and passion.”
Key Teaching: Unscriptural austerities driven by ego and desire are flawed.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna describes those performing severe, unscriptural austerities driven by hypocrisy, ego, desire, and passion. This verse, continuing 17.4, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna critiques austerities, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, and Karma Yoga, as he addresses actions, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s hypocritical acts (1.3–11) reflect this, contrasting Arjuna’s sincerity (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Karma Yoga (2.47), condemning unscriptural acts. Krishna builds on worship types (17.4), critiquing austerities.

Philosophically, the verse warns against egodriven practices, a theme refined with teachings on sincerity (3.8). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding hypocritical austerities. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against bondage. The verse connects to teachings on proper action (2.47).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s hypocrisy, where egodriven acts bind. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to act scripturally, aligning with moksha. The critique resonates with Arjuna’s duty.