Shloka 13
Govardhana-pūjā: Kṛṣṇa Redirects Indra-yajña to Worship of Govardhana, Cows, and Brāhmaṇas
श्रीभगवानुवाच कर्मणा जायते जन्तु: कर्मणैव प्रलीयते । सुखं दु:खं भयं क्षेमं कर्मणैवाभिपद्यते ॥ १३ ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca karmaṇā jāyate jantuḥ karmaṇaiva pralīyate sukhaṁ duḥkhaṁ bhayaṁ kṣemaṁ karmaṇaivābhipadyate
Der Herr sprach: Durch die Kraft des Karma wird das Lebewesen geboren, und durch Karma allein vergeht es. Glück, Leid, Furcht und Sicherheit entstehen als Wirkungen des Karma.
Lord Kṛṣṇa minimized the importance of the demigods by speaking the philosophy known as Karma-vāda or Karma-mīmāṁsā, which, basically, is atheism with a belief in reincarnation. According to this philosophy, there are subtle laws of nature that reward or punish us according to how we act: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” In a future life one reaps the fruit of his present work, and this is the sum and substance of reality. Lord Kṛṣṇa, being God Himself, could hardly be a serious proponent of this mediocre philosophy. In the role of a young boy He was simply teasing His pure devotees by preaching it.
FAQs
This verse states that birth, death, happiness, distress, fear, and security are experienced according to one’s own karma (actions and their results).
Krishna speaks to the Vraja residents while redirecting them from Indra-worship, explaining that worldly outcomes are governed by karma and appropriate duty, setting the stage for the Govardhana episode.
Focus on responsible action and character, accept changing outcomes without panic, and strengthen spiritual practice—so fear decreases and steadiness increases even amid सुख-दुःख (ups and downs).