श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १७.१६ — मनःप्रसादः सौम्यत्वम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता १७.१६ — मनःप्रसादः सौम्यत्वम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
मनःप्रसादः
manaḥ-prasādaḥ
serenity of mind, cheerfulness of thought
सौम्यत्वम्
saumyatvam
gentleness, good-heartedness
मौनम्
maunam
silence
आत्मविनिग्रहः
ātma-vinigrahaḥ
self-control, restraint of the mind
भावसंशुद्धिः
bhāva-sanśhuddhiḥ
purity of nature, purity of intent
इति
iti
thus
एतत्
etat
this, these
तपः
tapaḥ
austerity
मानसम्
mānasam
of the mind, mental
उच्यते
uchyate
is called, is declared
Complete Translation
मन की प्रसन्नता, सौम्यभाव, मौन आत्मसंयम और अन्त:करण की शुद्धि यह सब मानस तप कहलाता है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 16
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
The seventeenth chapter, the Yoga of the Threefold Division of Faith (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga), classifies austerity (tapas) into that of the body, speech and mind. After describing bodily and verbal austerity, Krishna here defines mental austerity — serenity, gentleness, silence, self-control and purity of heart — as the inner discipline that completes and crowns the others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of Bhagavad Gita 17.16?▼
Krishna defines the austerity of the mind (manasa-tapas) as serenity of mind, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of nature. It teaches that true inner discipline is the steady refinement of one's thoughts and feelings into calm, kindness and clarity.
What is 'manasa-tapas' (austerity of the mind)?▼
It is the inner austerity of the mind and heart, as distinct from austerity of the body (17.14) and of speech (17.15). It consists of cultivating serenity, gentleness, silence, self-restraint and purity of intention — a refinement available to everyone in daily life.
Why is mental austerity considered important?▼
Because the mind is the root of all action and feeling. Without inner serenity and purity, outer disciplines remain incomplete. By purifying the mind, this tapas brings lasting peace, good relationships and a heart fit for devotion and self-realization.
How can I use this verse in daily life?▼
Take its five qualities as gentle daily practices: keep the mind cheerful, be gentle with others, observe periods of silence, restrain impulsive reactions, and act with pure intentions. Chanting the verse each morning helps set these intentions for the day.
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