Chapter 2, Verse 42 (Bhagavad Gita 2.42)
Chapter 2: Sānkhya Yog – Transcendental Knowledge
Sanskrit Shloka
यामिमां पुष्पितां वाचं प्रवदन्त्यविपश्चितः। वेदवादरताः पार्थ नान्यदस्तीति वादिनः
Transliteration
yāmimāṁ puṣhpitāṁ vāchaṁ pravadanty-avipaśhchitaḥ veda-vāda-ratāḥ pārtha nānyad astīti vādinaḥ kāmātmānaḥ swarga-parā janma-karma-phala-pradām kriyā-viśheṣha-bahulāṁ bhogaiśhwarya-gatiṁ prati
Word Meanings
yām imām—all these; puṣhpitām—flowery; vācham—words; pravadanti—speak; avipaśhchitaḥ—those with limited understanding; veda-vāda-ratāḥ—attached to the flowery words of the Vedas; pārtha—Arjun, the son of Pritha; na anyat—no other; asti—is; iti—thus; vādinaḥ—advocate; kāma-ātmānaḥ—desirous of sensual pleasure; swarga-parāḥ—aiming to achieve the heavenly planets; janma-karma-phala—high birth and fruitive results; pradāṁ—awarding; kriyā-viśheṣha—pompous ritualistic ceremonies; bahulām—various; bhoga—gratification; aiśhwarya—luxury; gatim—progress; prati—toward
Translation
O Partha, those who lack wisdom delight in the flowery words of the Vedas, which proclaim that there is nothing beyond the attainment of heavenly pleasures and the rituals that lead to them.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse warns against the trap of materialism and the pursuit of temporary gains disguised as spiritual duty. It suggests that individuals often become attached to the 'flowery' promises of rituals and worldly rewards, losing sight of the ultimate goal of liberation. By focusing only on the fruits of action, the seeker remains bound to the cycle of rebirth and transient pleasures. True wisdom requires transcending these worldly desires and looking toward the eternal essence of the Self. Ultimately, it teaches that rituals are merely a means to an end, not the destination itself.