Verse 17.19

मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः।परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्।।17.19।।

mūḍha-grāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā tat tāmasam udāhṛitam

Meaning

Yo, any austerity that's all about some messed-up notion, self-harm, or trying to diss someone else? Total tamasic energy. No cap.

Commentary

Bro, some peeps are straight-up *insane* with their austerities. Like, burning sulfur on their heads? Iron hooks in their flesh? Hanging upside down over fire? Standing in freezing water up to their necks? Surrounding themselves with FIVE fires?! That's not enlightenment, that's straight-up *tamassic* vibes. It's not about self-improvement; it's about self-destruction. It won't help you achieve moksha, fam.