Bhagavad Gita BG 4.12
Chapter 4, Verse 12 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
काङ्क्षन्तः कर्मणां सिद्धिं यजन्त इह देवताः । क्षिप्रं हि मानुषे लोके सिद्धिर्भवति कर्मजा ॥
kankshantah karmanam siddhim yajanta iha devatah kshipram hi manushe loke siddhir bhavati karma-ja
Meaning
Those who desire the fruits of their actions worship the gods here; for in the human world, success born of action comes swiftly.
Understanding
A description of sakama karma (action with desire for results): people desiring quick results (karmanam siddhi) worship the devas (gods) who can grant specific boons. This is not condemned — it is acknowledged as a valid level of practice. But the contrast is clear: karma-ja siddhi (success born of action and desire) is kshipra (swift) but limited. The next verses will reveal a higher path.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| काङ्क्षन्तः | kankshantah | those who desire, who long for |
| सिद्धिम् | siddhim | success, accomplishment, fruit |
| यजन्ते | yajante | they worship, perform sacrifice |
| देवताः | devatah | the gods, deities |
| क्षिप्रम् | kshipram | swiftly, quickly |
| कर्मणाम् | karmaṇām | of actions / from their deeds |
| हि | hi | for / indeed (causal) |
| मानुषे | mānuṣe | in the human / in this world of men |
| लोके | loke | in the world / in the realm |
| सिद्धिः | siddheḥ | success / perfection (karma-born success) |
| भवति | bhavati | arises / comes / results |
| कर्मजा | karma-jā | born of action / arising from action |