Chapter 4 · Verse 12 of 42
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
ज्ञानकर्मसन्न्यासयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
In this world, individuals seeking swift success or the fulfillment of worldly desires often turn to lesser deities instead of the Supreme Divine, finding quicker results. (4:12)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः ।
क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा॥
Word-by-word
काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणाम्-सिद्धिम् यजन्ते इह देवताः,
क्षिप्रम् हि मानुषे-लोके सिद्धिः भवति कर्म-जा।
Commentary
However, the reasons why worshipping lesser deities might not be the ideal approach, and why the singular Supreme God should be the primary focus of worship, are elaborated upon in verses 7:19-23.