सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् ।
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥ १७.१८ ॥

satkāra-māna-pūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena caiva yat |
kriyate tad-iha proktaṁ rājasaṁ calam-adhruvam || 17.18 ||

To distinguish sāttvika kind and level of austerity, Krishna explains what the other kinds are, based on the three gunas. The rājasika is one in which the performer will aim at gaining respect, value or honour. He will be very ostentatious in what he does. But that is not the intention of true austerity. Any kind of austerity must be purifying, giving rise to inner enrichment.

The test of any performance is thus the extent of inner enrichment it is able to cause and bestow. Devoid of this inner outcome, any performance at best becomes merely physical or external. Spirituality means mental enrichment through purity, expansion and elevation.

So the seeker must have ample discernment to understand whether his spiritual austerity is becoming a mere tool to invite public appeal, regard or respect (satkāra-māna-pūjārtham 17.18). There should not be the least note of ostentation. Normally such notes are natural and will force themselves upon one’s mind and intelligence. Watchfulness and safeguard are thus necessary at every stage.

Approval and appreciation from people, the esteem they foster and express, the love and fervour generated thereafter – all these are not uncommon. But the true seeker will have to clearly defend himself against their onslaught and ensure that whatever he does is but a pure and natural inner expression. It should come out of his bhāvasamśuddhi (17.16), genuine spiritual fervour and mind’s purity.