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Omrat
Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 19
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

When Discipline Turns Harmful · Losing the Point

ॐ

मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः । परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥

mūḍha-grāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā tat tāmasam udāhṛtam

Meaning

"Austerity performed with deluded understanding, through self-torture, or to harm another, is declared to be tamasic."

Explanation

Any "discipline" that harms you or someone else has quietly lost its point — genuine spiritual practice should never require cruelty toward yourself or others.

Today's Life Lesson

If a practice today is hurting you or someone else, that's a sign to stop and rethink it, not push harder.

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