Bhagavad Gita BG 2.43
Chapter 2, Verse 43 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
कामात्मानः स्वर्गपरा जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् । क्रियाविशेषबहुलां भोगैश्वर्यगतिं प्रति ॥ ४३ ॥
kāmātmānaḥ svarga-parā janma-karma-phala-pradām kriyā-viśeṣa-bahulāṃ bhogaiśvarya-gatiṃ prati
Meaning
Those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things, are attached to heavenly planets and to various fruitive activities leading toward wealth and enjoyment.
Understanding
Continuing from the previous verse, Krishna describes the 'kāmātmānaḥ' — those whose very nature is desire. Their highest aspiration is heaven (svarga-parā), and they seek rituals that give 'janma-karma-phala' (births with fruits of action). Their focus is on 'bhogaiśvarya' — enjoyment and opulence. This is not wrong in itself, but it keeps one bound to the cycle of birth and rebirth, perpetually pursuing new pleasures.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कामात्मानः | kāmātmānaḥ | those whose nature is desire / those whose self is desire |
| स्वर्गपराः | svarga-parāḥ | those for whom heaven is the highest goal |
| जन्मकर्मफलप्रदाम् | janma-karma-phala-pradām | which gives birth and fruits of action |
| भोगैश्वर्यगतिम् | bhogaiśvarya-gatim | toward enjoyment and opulence / to the goal of pleasure and power |
| क्रियाविशेषबहुलाम् | kriyā-viśeṣa-bahulām | abounding in various rites and rituals |
| प्रति | prati | toward / aimed at (prosperity and enjoyment) |