kāṅkṣantaḥ karmaṇāṁ siddhiṁ yajanta iha devatāḥ kṣipraṁ hi mānuṣe loke siddhir bhavati karma-jā
"Those who desire success in their actions worship the gods here. Success from action comes quickly in the human world."
What This Means:
People who want quick results from their actions worship various gods. And it works—in the human world, karma produces results fast. You act, you get results. That's why most people are focused on action-for-results rather than liberation.
Going Deeper:
This verse explains why most people don't pursue liberation: karma-phala (fruits of action) come quickly in the human realm, while liberation seems distant and abstract. Worshipping devas (gods governing various domains) brings material success faster than pursuing the transcendent. This isn't criticized—it's acknowledged as a legitimate stage—but Krishna will show there's something higher.
How To Apply This:
It's natural to want results now. Material goals feel urgent; spiritual liberation feels abstract. Acknowledge this tendency without judgment. Most spiritual journeys begin with seeking material benefits. The question is whether you'll stop there or eventually ask: 'Is there something beyond success and failure?'
Key Sanskrit Terms: