kāṅkṣhantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ yajanta iha devatāḥ
kṣhipraṁ hi mānuṣhe loke siddhir bhavati karmajā
kāṅkṣhantaḥ — desiring;
karmaṇām — material activities;
siddhim — success;
yajante — worship;
iha — in this world;
devatāḥ — the celestial gods;
kṣhipram — quickly;
hi — certainly;
mānuṣhe — in human society;
loke — within this world;
siddhiḥ — rewarding;
bhavati — manifest;
karma-jā — from material activities
This verse talks about human behavior when it comes to seeking success and the rewards of their actions. It says that many people want quick success in life, so they often turn to worshipping demigods—powerful beings or spirits in the universe—rather than seeking a deeper spiritual understanding.
When people pray to demigods, they usually hope to achieve specific goals, like getting a job, making more money, or having a happy family. This means they want immediate results from their actions, such as their work or efforts in life. For instance, if someone feels stuck in their job, they might pray to a demigod for a better position, and if they get it, they feel their prayers were effective.
However, the verse implies that relying on demigods is a misunderstanding of who they really are. Demigods are not the ultimate source of help; they are like assistants or managers in the grand scheme of life. The ultimate source of all creation and support is the Supreme God, who is beyond all these demigods. In simpler terms, think of the Supreme God as the CEO of a company, while demigods are like managers in different departments. People often worship these managers to get what they want but forget that the CEO is the one who holds the real power.
The interpretation highlights that people who worship demigods for quick success might not understand that these rewards are temporary. Just like a child might be satisfied with candy, which is sweet for a moment but ultimately not good for them, the benefits gained from worshipping demigods can be short-lived. In the end, people find themselves still wanting more.
Additionally, many people chase after material wealth, fame, or comforts, seeing them as the ultimate goals in life. This mindset leads them to worship powerful figures around them—like political leaders or influential personalities. They think that by paying homage to these figures, they'll get something in return, such as promotions or social status.
The wisdom in this verse suggests that while people can achieve success through such worship, it’s often shallow and fleeting. There’s greater and more lasting fulfillment in understanding and connecting with the Supreme God rather than seeking transient comforts from demigods or human power.
In essence, the verse and its interpretation remind us that while it's natural to desire success and rewards, relying solely on demigods or worldly figures can lead to a cycle of seeking temporary pleasures. Instead, focusing on a deeper connection to the Supreme offers a more profound and lasting fulfillment, helping us break free from the constant chase for momentary gains.