Austerity Of Deeds, Words and Thoughts (17.14-17.19)🔗

Kṛṣṇa defines austerity of deeds, words and thoughts. Tapas or penance is the austere, simple way of living, the mode of aparigraha (simplicity). It is based upon what one needs and not what one craves for. One who successfully practices this is a tapasvi.

Tapasya, austerity or penance, doesn't mean inflicting pain or torturing oneself and others, not just physically, but through words and thoughts also. Penance undertaken in this manner is abusing oneself and the God who resides within. Such acts are done out of ignorance, tamas.

Penance performed for obtaining any result, even a noble ideal like Enlightenment is a result...is in the mode of rajas, aggression or passion. Only when it is in the nature of total surrender, with no expectation of any results, it is in satva and of spiritual value.

The penance that is to be done by words, is speaking the truth and speaking pleasing words, satyaṁ priyahitaṁ ca yat (17.15). Creating a healing effect through our words is the basic practice for one who is established in integrity. We should not utter words that hurt others, anuvega karaṁ vākyaṁ. Our presence should be healing and enriching others. Kṛṣṇa calls this tapaḥ, austerity of words, vān-mayaṁ tapa ucyate (17.15).

I am defining Integrity. Aligning yourself more and more, deeper and deeper into your completion, aligning your words, internal and external, towards the space of completion, is Integrity.

Kṛṣṇa instructs to study spiritual literature regularly so that these higher ideas go again and again into our brain. Consequently, we acquire the courage to live the truth.

Next, Kṛṣṇa talks about austerity in action, śarīraṁ tapa. These mean truth in thoughts, words and deeds embodying nonviolence, non-covetousness, simplicity and living in reality, focusing on Supreme as the ultimate in any penance.