Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga

Verse 14
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka

devadvijaguruprājñapūjanaṁ śaucamārjavam

brahmacaryamahiṁsā ch śārīraṁ tapa ucyate

🕉 English Translation

Hon deva brahman, guru, gyanijan,

In sabki puja pavitra ho tann.

Ahinsa, saralbhav, brahmacharya bhi,

Kaha jata tap hai sharirik yahi.

📜 Translation English

Worship of the gods, the twice born, the teacher and the wise, purity, straightforwardness, chastity and nonviolence-are called the austerities related to the body.

💬 Commentary English

The sequence of the three distinctions of satvic, rajas and tamas is continuining. It is matter of surprise that instead of describing the three distinctions of the austerity why it has been related as three types of austerities-that of the body, speech and the mind! In fact, further will follow the description of the three types of distinctions of the austerity, i.e. of satvic, rajas and tamasic. Prior to that, in order to make amply clear, the austerity of the satvic kind, austerity has been associated with the three main constituents of life. First of all is the state of bodily austerity.

The human body is the superiormost creation of Nature. It is the best amongst all types of births; it is a rare opportunity for self-upliftment. At the same time, it is perishable and temporary-that too is true. That the body should not become a means for indulgence; its sphere does not get restricted to sensual objects, for this is required the austerity of the body. The one who has a significant role in the governance of the creation and nature, worshipping gods like sun, moon, god of water, fire, Shiv, Shakti, etc. in accordance with the occasion and one's ability, having reverence for the Brahmins, towards those from whom one has learnt or gained something-respect towards them and service to great souls, knower of the truth principle! The cleanliness and purity of the body is essential. No action is performed which will hurt others. To grieve deliberately the others hearts, causing pain to them, for one's own happiness, to cause suffering to others, is violence. Straightforwardness and simplicity also earn respect in the society and also is an aid for obtaining divine blessings. The energy of the body should be conserved and not wasted. In the form of celibacy that very energy can become the brilliance and vitality of life. Firmness in celibacy can become a powerful aid for the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual strength and awakening.

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