कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् ।
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥
क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
हे पृथानन्दन जो कामनाओंमें तन्मय हो रहे हैं, स्वर्गको ही श्रेष्ठ माननेवाले हैं, वेदोंमें कहे हुए सकाम कर्मोंमें प्रीति रखनेवाले हैं, भोगोंके सिवाय और कुछ है ही नहीं ऐसा कहनेवाले हैं, वे अविवेकी मनुष्य इस प्रकारकी जिस पुष्पित दिखाऊ शोभायुक्त वाणीको कहा करते हैं, जो कि जन्मरूपी कर्मफलको देनेवाली है तथा भोग और ऐश्वर्यकी प्राप्तिके लिये बहुतसी क्रियाओंका वर्णन करनेवाली है ॥
English
Those without clear seeing speak flowery words that promise birth and action-fruit, and describe many rites for enjoyment and power.
What this verse means
People driven by desire praise rituals that promise pleasure, status, and future rewards. Their words sound attractive, but they keep the mind chasing more rewards.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Arjuna is frozen, and Krishna begins separating clear seeing from desire-driven speech. After warning about flowery promises, he points to teachings that lure people toward enjoyment, status, and future reward instead of freedom.
Why this verse still matters
A polished ad, a glossy seminar, a mentor promising status if you just follow the system — it all sounds convincing until you notice it is feeding craving, not clearing it.
The takeaway
Not every impressive teaching frees you. Some teachings only dress up craving.
Word-by-word translation
कामात्मानः (those whose minds are full of desire) / स्वर्गपरा (with heaven as their highest aim) / जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् (giving the fruits of birth and action) / क्रियाविशेषबहुलाम् (full of many special rites) / भोगैश्वर्यगतिम् (a path to enjoyment and power) / प्रति (toward)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga — The Yoga of Knowledge, which contains 72 verses.