Temporary rewards, lasting love

antavattu phalaṃ teṣāṃ tadbhavatyalpamedhasāmdevāndevayajo yānti madbhaktā yānti māmapi

But their fruit has an end. Those who worship the devas go to the devas. My devotees come to Me.

What it means

Krishna gently contrasts two outcomes. Worship aimed at specific rewards brings rewards that end. Those devoted to the devas reach the devas, powers within the cosmos. But those devoted to Krishna, the source of everything, come to him. The difference is temporary gifts versus the giver himself.

The story

Krishna isn't threatening anyone. He's inviting Arjuna to aim higher. Why settle for the gift when you can have the one who gives?

In your life

Picture a child who loves birthday presents but grows up to treasure simply being with their parents. The presents fade. The relationship lasts. Choose one relationship to invest in this week.