Worship shaped by wanting

kāmaistaistairhṛtajñānāḥ prapadyante’anyadevatāḥtaṃ taṃ niyamamāsthāya prakṛtyā niyatāḥ svayā

Those whose understanding is carried off by many desires turn to other gods, following their rules, led by their own nature.

What it means

Krishna observes that desire shapes worship. People wanting specific things turn to various devas, powers that grant those things, and follow their rituals. They're guided by their prakriti, their nature. He isn't condemning anyone. He's noticing how wanting can narrow our vision of the sacred.

The story

In Arjuna's world, people prayed to different devas for rain, wealth or children. Krishna doesn't mock them. He simply points out that the One behind all of these is greater than any single wish.

In your life

Imagine someone who prays only when they need a job or a cure. That's human. Try praying or reflecting once this week without asking for anything. Notice the difference.