Bhagavad Gita · Verse 9.21
Chapter 9: Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga (राजविद्याराजगुह्ययोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति । एवं त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना गतागतं कामकामा लभन्ते ॥२१॥
te taṃ bhuktvā svargalokaṃ viśālaṃ kṣīṇe puṇye martyalokaṃ viśanti | evaṃ trayīdharmamanuprapannā gatāgataṃ kāmakāmā labhante ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
After enjoying that vast heaven, they enter the mortal world when their merit is exhausted. Thus those following the three-Veda path and seeking desired pleasures undergo coming and going.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| क्षीणे पुण्ये | kṣīṇe puṇye | when merit is exhausted |
| गतागतम् | gatāgatam | coming and going |
| ते | te | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| तं | taṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| भुक्त्वा | bhuktvā | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| स्वर्गलोकं | svargalokaṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| विशालं | viśālaṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| क्षीणे | kṣīṇe | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| पुण्ये | puṇye | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| मर्त्यलोकं | martyalokaṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| विशन्ति | viśanti | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| एवं | evaṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना | trayīdharmamanuprapannā | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| गतागतं | gatāgataṃ | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| कामकामा | kāmakāmā | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| लभन्ते | labhante | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
| २१ | labhante | [term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave... |
when merit is exhausted
coming and going
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
[term] in context of After enjoying that vast heave...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The religious account distinguishes finite heavenly merit from liberation. Its contrast concerns desire-driven aims, not a dismissal of all sacred study or sacrifice.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Notice when repeated reward-seeking keeps you within the same cycle."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where does repeated reward-seeking keep you in a cycle?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.