Bhagavad Gita 17.5
Sanskrit
Transliteration
dambhāhankāra-sanyuktāḥ kāma-rāga-balānvitāḥ
Synonyms
aśāstra: not in the scriptures;
vihitam: directed;
ghoram: harmful to others;
tapyante: undergo;
ye: those who;
tapaḥ: austerities;
janāḥ: persons;
dambha: with pride;
ahaṅkāra: and egoism;
saṁyuktāḥ: engaged;
kāma: of lust;
rāga: and attachment;
bala: by the force;
anvitāḥ: impelled;
karṣayantaḥ: tormenting;
śarīra: stham — situated within the body;
bhūta: grāmam — the combination of material elements;
acetasaḥ: having a misled mentality;
mām: Me;
ca: also;
eva: certainly;
antaḥ: within;
śarīra: stham — situated in the body;
tān: them;
viddhi: understand;
āsura: niścayān — demons .;
English Meaning
Those who undergo severe austerities and penances not recommended in the scriptures, performing them out of pride and egoism, who are impelled by lust and attachment, who are foolish and who torture the material elements of the body as well as the Supersoul dwelling within, are to be known as demons.
Life Theme
Faith and Choices
Life Application
Making choices that reflect one’s values and belief system.