Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 5
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Ego in Spiritual Costume · Checking Real Intention

अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तप्यन्ते ये तपो जनाः । दम्भाहङ्कारसंयुक्ताः कामरागबलान्विताः ॥

aśāstra-vihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapyante ye tapo janāḥ dambhāhaṅkāra-saṁyuktāḥ kāma-rāga-balānvitāḥ

Meaning

"Those who practice severe austerities not sanctioned by scripture, driven by hypocrisy and ego, propelled by desire and attachment—"

Explanation

Even discipline and effort can be misused when they're really just ego wearing a spiritual costume — sincerity of intention matters as much as intensity of practice.

Today's Life Lesson

If you're pushing yourself hard in some practice today, check whether it's genuine discipline or ego seeking admiration.

More verses to reflect on