Discipline of the body

devadvijaguruprājñapūjanaṃ śaucamārjavambrahmacaryamahiṃsā ca śārīraṃ tapa ucyate

Honouring the divine, the learned, teachers and the wise, cleanliness, honesty, self-restraint and non-harming are called discipline of the body.

What it means

Krishna describes bodily tapas, discipline lived through the body. Respecting the sacred, the learned, teachers and the wise. Keeping clean. Being straightforward. Restraining desire. And ahimsa, not harming. It's not about punishing the body. It's about using it with respect and care.

The story

After warning against extreme austerity, Krishna gives a healthy version. Arjuna, a disciplined archer, recognises this kind of steady, respectful training.

In your life

Imagine someone who stands up when an elder enters, keeps their space tidy, and never raises a hand in anger. That's body discipline. Show respect with your body today. Stand, bow, or listen fully.