Bhagavad Gita · Verse 2.43
Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga (सांख्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् । क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥४३॥
kāmātmānaḥ svargaparā janmakarmaphalapradām | kriyāviśeṣabahulāṃ bhogaiśvaryagatiṃ prati ||43||
Complete Shloka Translation
Filled with desire and aiming at heaven, they speak language promising rebirth and the fruits of action, rich in particular rites directed toward pleasure and power.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कामात्मानः | kāmātmānaḥ | filled with desire |
| भोगैश्वर्यगतिम् | bhogaiśvaryagatim | directed toward pleasure and power |
| स्वर्गपरा | svargaparā | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
| जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् | janmakarmaphalapradām | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
| क्रियाविशेषबहुलां | kriyāviśeṣabahulāṃ | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
| भोगैश्वर्यगतिं | bhogaiśvaryagatiṃ | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
| प्रति | prati | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
| ४३ | prati | [term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ... |
filled with desire
directed toward pleasure and power
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
[term] in context of Filled with desire and aiming ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The people and their language carry over from 2.42. Birth and karmic rewards are contrasted with the freedom from bondage sought in yoga.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The concern is practice organized around acquiring pleasure and status."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What do you seek from a practice besides reward or status?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse when facing identity crisis or fear of failure: distinguish the unchanging inner self from transient life situations, and act with full dedication without anxiety over the final outcome.