The Yoga of the Threefold Faith

Krishna describes those who practice austerities that harm the body and ignore the Supreme within. 'Karṣayantaḥ śarīra-sthaṁ bhūta-grāmam'—they torment (karṣayantaḥ) the elements (bhūta-grāmam) in the body (śarīra-stham). They're 'acetasaḥ'—senseless, without consciousness or understanding. They also torment 'māṁ caivāntaḥ-śarīra-sthaṁ'—Me who dwells within the body. This means they're not just harming their physical body—they're harming their spiritual essence. Krishna says 'tān viddhy āsura-niścayān'—know them to be of demonic determination. These practices aren't just misguided—they're demonic, driven by ignorance and destruction. This verse connects to the previous one about austerities not prescribed in scriptures. When you practice with force and ego, you harm yourself and ignore the divine within. Understanding this helps you recognize when your practices are harmful rather than beneficial.