सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् ।
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
जो तप सत्कार, मान और पूजाके लिये तथा दिखानेके भावसे किया जाता है, वह इस लोकमें अनिश्चित और नाशवान् फल देनेवाला तप राजस कहा गया है ॥
English
Austerity done for honor, praise, and worship, or with a show of display, is said to be rajasic here. It gives unstable, temporary results.
What this verse means
Practice done to impress others, gain respect, or look holy is unstable and short-lived. It may bring attention, but not lasting value.
Context & commentary
Krishna continues explaining three kinds of austerity to Arjuna on the battlefield. After describing pure discipline, he turns to the kind done for status, admiration, or display. It looks spiritual, but it is shaky and temporary.
Why this verse still matters
You post the disciplined routine, the perfect meal, the early-morning run — and wait for the praise. The moment approval becomes the fuel, the practice starts to hollow out.
The takeaway
You can feel the difference between sincere effort and performance. The second leaves you emptier, even when others clap.
Word-by-word translation
सत्कारमानपूजार्थम् (for honor, respect, and worship) / तपः (austerity) / दम्भेन (with pretence, show) / च (and) / एव (indeed) / यत् (that which) / क्रियते (is done) / तत् (that) / इह (here, in this world) / प्रोक्तम् (is said) / राजसम् (rajasic) / चलम् (unstable) / अध्रुवम् (impermanent)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga — The Three Kinds of Faith, which contains 28 verses.