Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 9 verse 21
Chapter 9 · Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga

Impermanent Reward · The Cycle of Coming and Going

ते तं भुक्त्वा स्वर्गलोकं विशालं क्षीणे पुण्ये मर्त्यलोकं विशन्ति । एवं त्रयीधर्ममनुप्रपन्ना गतागतं कामकामा लभन्ते ॥

te taṁ bhuktvā svargalokaṁ viśālaṁ kṣīṇe puṇye martyalokaṁ viśanti, evaṁ trayīdharmam anuprapannā gatāgataṁ kāmakāmā labhante.

Meaning

"Having enjoyed that vast heavenly world, when their merit is exhausted, they enter the world of mortals again; thus, following the rites of the three Vedas and desiring pleasures, they obtain only repeated coming and going."

Explanation

Chasing pleasures, even through the most disciplined means, eventually runs out and leads back to the same starting point.

Today's Life Lesson

Ask today whether you're aiming for something that lasts, or just another pleasure that will fade.

More verses to reflect on