Verse 9.21 : Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga "The King of Secrets"
Verse 21 of 34
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The Translation
“Having enjoyed the vast heavenly world, they return to the mortal world when their merits are exhausted. Thus, following the injunctions of the three Vedas and desiring sensory pleasures, they achieve only transient coming and going.”
Commentary & Insights
Continuing His critique of desire-driven rituals, Krishna explains the mechanics of cosmic reward: when the spiritual merit (puṇya) that bought entry to heaven runs out, the soul must return to earth.
Practical Application
1
Consciously choose not to purchase or indulge in a temporary comfort trigger today; instead, spend 10 minutes cultivating quiet contentment within.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How is the exhaustion of heavenly merits (*kṣīṇe puṇye*) similar to spending all your money on a luxurious vacation and having to return to work? How does this realize the need for an eternal investment?
- How does the phrase 'desirers of desires' (*kāma-kāmāḥ*) describe our modern consumerist mindset? How can we break this loop?
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9.21
ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं
क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति
Worldly and heavenly pleasures are both finite because they are products of action. Whatever is created must perish. The only uncreated, infinite state is Brahman, which is reached by renouncing desires. Those who follow desire are bound to this endless pendulum of birth and death.