Gita 17.6
Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
कर्शयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः | मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् ||६||
karśayantaḥ śarīra-sthaṁ bhūta-grāmam acetasaḥ | māṁ caivāntaḥ-śarīra-sthaṁ tān viddhy āsura-niścayān ||6||
In essence: Those who torture the body's elements and, unknowingly, torture the Divine dwelling within - know them to be of demonic resolve. Self-violence is violence against God.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Krishna dwells in my body? But I've always heard the body is an obstacle to realization."
Guru: "The body is neither pure obstacle nor pure temple - it depends on how you relate to it. When identified with it, you are trapped. When you abuse it, you harm the Divine dwelling there. The middle way is treating it as a sacred instrument: neither worshipped nor tortured, but used wisely for its purpose."
Sadhak: "But didn't great saints fast and renounce physical comfort?"
Guru: "There is a world of difference between healthy tapas that builds capacity and ego-driven torture that destroys the body. A genuine sadhu might eat simply and sleep little, but with joy and increasing vitality. The corrupted ascetic starves themselves for recognition, becoming bitter and broken. The outer austerity may look similar; the inner quality is opposite."
Sadhak: "How do I know if I'm being 'demonically resolved' in my practice?"
Guru: "Check for violence and pride. Are you fighting yourself or opening yourself? Do you feel 'I am conquering my desires' or 'I am offering my desires'? Demonic resolve forces and conquers; divine resolve offers and surrenders. Both may involve discipline, but the inner quality differs entirely. Genuine tapas has sweetness even in difficulty; asuric tapas has bitterness even in achievement."
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🌅 Daily Practice
As you begin practices, consciously acknowledge the Divine presence within your body. Say: 'Lord, you dwell here. May my practice honor your presence.' This reframe prevents body-abuse while maintaining appropriate discipline.
When you notice self-punishing tendencies - excessive guilt, harsh self-criticism, denial of legitimate needs - remember this verse. The inner critic that tortures you also tortures the Divine within. Firmness with yourself is good; violence against yourself harms God.
Before rest, offer gratitude to your body as a temple. 'Thank you for housing the Lord today. May you be restored in sleep.' This is not body-worship but appropriate reverence for the instrument that makes spiritual life possible. Treat your body as you would treat any sacred space.