Shloka 9
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
विषयानभिसन्धाय यश ऐश्वर्यमेव वा । अर्चादावर्चयेद्यो मां पृथग्भाव: स राजस: ॥ ९ ॥
viṣayān abhisandhāya yaśa aiśvaryam eva vā arcādāv arcayed yo māṁ pṛthag-bhāvaḥ sa rājasaḥ
Worship of Me in the Deity form (arcā) with a separatist mentality, motivated by sense enjoyment, fame, or opulence, is devotion in the mode of passion (rajas).
The word “separatist” must be understood carefully. The Sanskrit words in this connection are bhinna-dṛk and pṛthag-bhāvaḥ. A separatist is one who sees his interest as separate from that of the Supreme Lord. Mixed devotees, or devotees in the modes of passion and ignorance, think that the interest of the Supreme Lord is supplying the orders of the devotee; the interest of such devotees is to draw from the Lord as much as possible for their sense gratification. This is the separatist mentality. Actually, pure devotion is explained in the previous chapter: the mind of the Supreme Lord and the mind of the devotee should be dovetailed. A devotee should not wish anything but to execute the desire of the Supreme. That is oneness. When the devotee has an interest or will different from the interest of the Supreme Lord, his mentality is that of a separatist. When the so-called devotee desires material enjoyment, without reference to the interest of the Supreme Lord, or he wants to become famous or opulent by utilizing the mercy or grace of the Supreme Lord, he is in the mode of passion.
FAQs
This verse says that worship of the Lord’s Deity form performed for sense enjoyment, fame, or opulence is classified as rājasa (in the mode of passion), because the motive is material rather than purely devotional.
Kapila is instructing Devahuti on gradations of bhakti and how devotional service becomes colored by the modes of nature; here he identifies passion-driven worship so she can progress toward pure, motive-free devotion.
When practicing worship, prayer, or spiritual routines, check the motive—shift from “I want results, status, or prosperity” to sincere service and remembrance of the Lord, reducing ego and the sense of separateness.