1 · Learn3 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.

Or browse by chapter
Chapter

Chapter 7 · Knowledge of the Absolute · 30 verses

Deep profile← → keys move between verses

How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Nature & guṇasChapter 7 · Knowledge of the Absolute

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 7.20

Desire, demigod worship and temporary fruits

Īśvara · God

कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञाना: प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवता: ।

तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियता: स्वया ॥ २० ॥

kāmais tais tair hṛta-jñānāḥ

prapadyante ’nya-devatāḥ

taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya

prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā

Translation

Those whose intelligence has been stolen by material desires surrender unto demigods and follow the particular rules and regulations of worship according to their own natures.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Depend on the Supreme Lord

  1. 1

    Material desires steal intelligence, leading people to worship demigods by rules suited to their own natures.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that Kṛṣṇa is the master of all. Even those with material desires become free from them by approaching Him.

  3. 3

    Worship and depend on Kṛṣṇa, and be satisfied with whatever He gives.

Key points from the purport

People whose intelligence is stolen by material desires often surrender to demigods

Their choice of worship depends upon the influence of the material modes

a

Who surrenders to the Supreme Lord and engages in devotional service — One who is freed from material contamination

b

What if material contamination is not completely washed away

They are by nature non-devotees

Even those who have material desires and still resort to the Supreme Lord, they:

Are not so much attracted by the external nature; because of the right goal

Soon become free from all material lust

Ref. SB 2.3.10: “akamah sarva kamo...” Therefore in any condition one should only approach Vasudeva

c

Then why do people still go to demigods — They are less intelligent

Attitude – They have lost the spiritual sense

Desire –They want immediate fulfillment of material desire

Modes – Affected by lower modes, therefore they do not go to the Supreme Lord

Level of motivation – Motivated by small desires and do not know how to realize Supreme Goal

Level of satisfaction – Satisfied by the rules and regulations of their worship

Conception – They think demigods are better for certain purpose as per their study of Veda e.g. Sun god for better health

d

Understanding of pure devotees

Ref. CC: “Only Krishna is the Supreme master and all others are servants”

Never goes to the demigods for material needs

Depends on the Supreme Lord and is satisfied with whatever he gives

Further reading

Surrender To Demigods And Impersonalism

Those who surrender to demigods and those who are impersonalists have no knowledge of Krishna and in their foolishness, do not surrender to Him

Chapter 7, section V: Surrender To Demigods And Impersonalism
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. kāmaiḥby desires
  2. taiḥ taiḥvarious
  3. hṛtadeprived of
  4. jñānāḥknowledge
  5. prapadyantesurrender
  6. anyato other
  7. devatāḥdemigods
  8. tam tamcorresponding
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 7.20 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?

Practice

Observe which mode shaped your last decision.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 7 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

Live this todayKnowing Kṛṣṇa and SurrenderingA practice from BG 7.19, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.