Topic

Hypocrisy

3 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on hypocrisy. Explore teachings across 2 chapters.

All Verses

Karmendriyani samyamya ya aste manasa smaran, indriyarthan vimudhatma mithyacarah sa ucyate

One who restrains the organs of action but mentally dwells on sense objects is a hypocrite and is called a false renunciant. True renunciation requires inner detachment, not merely outward restraint.

  • Outward restraint without inner detachment is hypocrisy
  • The mind must also be withdrawn, not just the body
  • Authentic practice requires alignment of action and intention
asastra-vihitam ghoram tapyante ye tapo janah, dambhahankara-samyuktah kama-raga-balanvitah

Those who perform severe austerities not prescribed by scripture, driven by hypocrisy, ego, desire, and passion, are described here as acting against divine wisdom.

  • Unsanctioned austerities driven by ego and desire are condemned
  • Hypocrisy and arrogance corrupt spiritual practice
  • Genuine austerity must be aligned with scriptural guidance
satkara-mana-pujartham tapo dambhena caiva yat, kriyate tad iha proktam rajasam calam adhruvam

Austerity performed with hypocrisy for the sake of honor, respect, and reverence is called rajasic — it is unstable and impermanent.

  • Rajasic austerity is driven by the desire for social status and recognition
  • Practice rooted in ego and display yields only fleeting results
  • Impure motivation undermines the transformative power of austerity