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Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

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Character & ethicsChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.16

Austerities of body, speech and mind

मन:प्रसाद: सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रह: ।

भावसंश‍ुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते ॥ १६ ॥

manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ

maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ

bhāva-saṁśuddhir ity etat

tapo mānasam ucyate

Translation

And satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purification of one’s existence are the austerities of the mind.

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

1Satisfaction, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purification of one’s existence are austerities of the mind.
2Prabhupāda explains that satisfaction comes only by turning the mind away from sense enjoyment. Purifying one’s nature means becoming Kṛṣṇa conscious.
3Read Vedic literature, think of others’ welfare and be straightforward in your dealings.

In the story

Chapter 17, The Divisions of Faith: austerities of body, speech and mind.

Theme summary

Cultivate divine qualities in character.

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: daivī-sampat, dharma.

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

What does BG 17.16 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to character & ethics?

Choose one virtue to practice consciously today.

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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