कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् ।
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥ ४३ ॥
kāmātmānaḥ swarga-parā janma-karma-phala-pradām
kriyā-viśheṣha-bahulāṁ bhogaiśhwarya-gatiṁ prati
उन्हें उनकी इच्छाएं प्रेरित करती हैं और वे स्वर्गीय फलों को ही अपने अंतिम लक्ष्य के रूप में देखते हैं। वे वेदों में वर्णित कई विस्तृत अनुष्ठानों का समर्थन करते हैं जो सांसारिक सुख, शक्ति और महान जन्म का वचन देते हैं।
They are driven by desires and view heavenly rewards as the ultimate goal. They advocate numerous elaborate rituals described in the Vedas that promise worldly pleasures, power and great birth.
# Meaning and Summary of Bhagavad Gita Verse 2.43In Bhagavad Gita verse 2.43, Lord Krishna addresses those with materialistic desires who approach spiritual texts with limited understanding. The Sanskrit verse states: "कामात्मान: स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् | क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ||"This verse describes individuals who are "full of desires" (कामात्मान: - kamatmanah) and have "heaven as their goal" (स्वर्गपरा - svarga-para). Krishna explains that such people speak "flowery words" that promise rewards for their ritualistic actions, primarily focused on gaining new favorable births, material pleasures, and heavenly enjoyment. These individuals become attracted to the ornate language and ritualistic ceremonies described in certain portions of the Vedas.The essential teaching here is that people with limited spiritual understanding become fixated on the material benefits offered by religious texts rather than their higher purpose. They perform elaborate rituals primarily to achieve worldly gains - whether high birth, wealth, sensory pleasures, or elevation to celestial realms. Their approach to spirituality is fundamentally transactional, seeing religious practice as a means to fulfill material desires rather than a path to higher spiritual realization.Krishna is pointing out that this approach misses the true essence of the Vedic teachings. While the Vedas do contain sections (karma-kanda) that describe rituals for material advancement, focusing exclusively on these aspects reflects a limited understanding. The Vedas, like a wish-fulfilling tree, offer various levels of knowledge and fulfillment, with the highest being spiritual liberation and devotion to the Supreme.This verse follows Krishna's explanation of the resolute, single-pointed mind needed for yoga practice. The contrast is clear - while the true yogi focuses determinedly on spiritual realization, those described in verse 2.43 scatter their attention across numerous elaborate rituals aimed solely at material gain. Their consciousness remains absorbed in desire rather than transcendence.For the sincere spiritual seeker, this verse serves as a caution against mistaking the peripheral aspects of religion for its essence. Just as visiting a university merely to enjoy its cafeteria misses the institution's true purpose of education, approaching spiritual texts solely for material benefits misses their transformative potential. The verse encourages practitioners to look beyond the superficial, ritualistic aspects of religion to discover the profound spiritual knowledge that can lead to ultimate liberation.The teachings in this verse remain remarkably relevant in modern times, where religious practices are often performed without understanding their deeper purpose. Krishna's message encourages us to approach spiritual texts and practices with discernment, seeking their essence rather than being distracted by promises of material rewards that are ultimately temporary and unfulfilling.
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