Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.17
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
आत्मसम्भाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः । यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ॥१७॥
ātmasambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhanamānamadānvitāḥ | yajante nāmayajñaiste dambhenāvidhipūrvakam ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
Self-conceited and obstinate, intoxicated by wealth and status, they perform sacrifices in name only, with hypocrisy and without following the prescribed way.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| स्तब्ध | stabdha | obstinate |
| नामयज्ञ | nāmayajña | sacrifice in name only |
| आत्मसम्भाविताः | ātmasambhāvitāḥ | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| स्तब्धा | stabdhā | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| धनमानमदान्विताः | dhanamānamadānvitāḥ | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| यजन्ते | yajante | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| नामयज्ञैस्ते | nāmayajñaiste | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् | dambhenāvidhipūrvakam | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
| १७ | dambhenāvidhipūrvakam | [term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ... |
obstinate
sacrifice in name only
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
[term] in context of Self-conceited and obstinate, ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The warning concerns ritual emptied of sincerity and proper discipline. It extends the critique of 16.15: wealth and recognition can turn worship into performance, whereas the chapter's opening virtues join action with inner purity.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Let sincere purpose guide a ritual or public act of service."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What keeps your worship or service sincere?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.