Shloka 44
Nimi Questions the Yogendras: Māyā, Cosmic Dissolution, Guru-Śaraṇāgati, Bhakti, and Deity Worship
परोक्षवादो वेदोऽयं बालानामनुशासनम् । कर्ममोक्षाय कर्माणि विधत्ते ह्यगदं यथा ॥ ४४ ॥
parokṣa-vādo vedo ’yaṁ bālānām anuśāsanam karma-mokṣāya karmāṇi vidhatte hy agadaṁ yathā
พระเวทนี้สอนโดยอ้อม เพื่ออบรมผู้มีปัญญาเยาว์วัย เพราะเพื่อให้หลุดพ้นจากพันธะแห่งกรรม พระเวทจึงบัญญัติกรรมที่ให้ผลก่อน—ดุจบิดาสัญญาขนมหวานเพื่อให้เด็กยอมกินยา
As stated in Bhagavad-gītā, traiguṇya-viṣayā vedā nistraiguṇyo bhavārjuna. The Vedas apparently offer fruitive results within the three modes of material nature. Those who perform ritualistic ceremonies or austerities in the mode of goodness are offered the chance for promotion to the higher planetary systems called Svargaloka. Aśnanti divyān divi deva-bhogān. Similarly, those who perform karma-kāṇḍa, or fruitive religious activities in the mode of passion, are allowed to become great rulers or wealthy men on earth and enjoy great prestige and earthly power. But as stated in the Manu-saṁhitā, pravṛttir eṣā bhūtānāṁ nivṛttis tu mahā-phalā: “Although fruitive religious activities are very much popular among the conditioned souls, the actual perfection of life is achieved when one gives up all fruitive endeavor.”
FAQs
This verse explains that the Vedas often teach indirectly to guide spiritually immature people, gradually leading them toward higher understanding and liberation.
Krishna teaches Uddhava that prescribed duties and rituals can purify and mature a person, ultimately helping one transcend karmic bondage—like medicine that cures the very disease it targets.
Use disciplined spiritual practice (duties, vows, regulated worship) as a step-by-step remedy for restlessness and selfish habits, aiming not at endless ritualism but at inner purification and liberation.