Verse-18
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 18
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
satkāramānapūjarthaṁ tapo dambhena caiva yat
kriyate tadiha proktaṁ rājasaṁ chalamadhruvam
🕉 English Translation
Satkaar aur mann puja chahein,
Karein taap jo bharkar ke pakhand mein.
Nashwar anichit hee phal jiska ho,
Tap aisa samjho ki rajas hai woh.
📜 Translation
English
The austerity which is performed for getting respect, honour and worship or for any other selfish motive as a matter of one's nature or done with hypocrisy, and is the giver of result which is uncertain and perishable is called rajasic austerity.
Austerity is the same but the goal is transformed. The goal is not the Lord but in varied ways has become one's own self-interest. There is no gratitude towards the Lord in emotions but the mind is overwhelmed by emotions of one's own respect, honour and reverence. The people should know me to be a great austere sage; I should be glorified by them; I should be offered felicitation; if it is not done or there is something lacking then there would be frenzy and anguish! The worship of the Lord is left behind and self-worship takes priority! Austerity is being performed but merely for ostentation! This will purify my inner-self, life will become meaningful, this world and the world beyond would be improved, Divine beneficence will be gained-no such feelings would be there. The desire would be for having oneself worshipped, for supremacy and for outward higher status; this is what is called hypocrisy or false display.
This is an indication which requires especial thought! The people should maintain a careful watch on the inner state as to what is within. The Blessed Lord has used the word 'Chalamadhruvam'-the results of such austerity are perishable and uncertain! The world too may not be gained-the worldly opinion and esteem also changes constantly. The one who is praised today may be criticized tomorrow! Because the expectation of gaining respect and fame leads to the possibility of disappointment as well. The expected and desired fruits of such austerity are also uncertain. The desired result also may not be obtained. That is why it is called uncertain and perishable. In any case it cannot become the means for any permanent gain. Understand this and correct the direction of your austerity.