Mundaka Upanishad 2.9
intermediate
अविद्यायां बहुधा वर्तमाना वयं कृतार्था इत्यभिमन्यन्ति बालाः। यत्कर्मिणो न प्रवेदयन्ति रागात्तेनातुराः क्षीणलोकाश्च्यवन्ते॥
avidyāyāṃ bahudhā vartamānā vayaṃ kṛtārthā ityabhimanyanti bālāḥ | yatkarmiṇo na pravedayanti rāgāttenāturāḥ kṣīṇalokāścyavante ||
"Living in ignorance in many ways, the childish think "We have accomplished our aim." Because ritualists, blinded by attachment, do not know (the Self), they fall from heaven when their merit is exhausted."
What This Means:
The immature think ritual success is the goal. But when heavenly merit runs out, they fall back down - their accomplishment was temporary.
Going Deeper:
Heaven is not liberation but a temporary reward. Attachment (raga) to results blinds one to the eternal Self.
How To Apply This:
Any achievement based on action will eventually be exhausted. Seek what cannot be depleted.
#temporary heaven#merit exhaustion#falling back