Bhagavad Gita 9.12 — Vain Hopes, Actions and Knowledge of Those Who Shelter in a Deluding Nature
मोघाशा मोघकर्माणो मोघज्ञाना विचेतसः ।
राक्षसीमासुरीं चैव प्रकृतिं मोहिनीं श्रिताः ॥ ९.१२ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
Of vain hopes, vain actions and vain knowledge, and bereft of discrimination, they take shelter in the bewildering, demoniac and ungodly nature.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| mogha-āśhāḥ | of vain hopes, whose hopes are futile |
| mogha-karmāṇaḥ | of futile actions |
| mogha-jñānāḥ | of vain knowledge |
| vichetasaḥ | bewildered, devoid of discrimination |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| rākṣhasīm | demoniac, brutish |
| āsurīm | ungodly, materialistic and proud |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| prakṛitim | nature, disposition |
| mohinīm | bewildering, deluding |
| śhritāḥ | having taken shelter in |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| mogha-āśhāḥ | of vain hopes, whose hopes are futile | rākṣhasīm | demoniac, brutish |
| mogha-karmāṇaḥ | of futile actions | āsurīm | ungodly, materialistic and proud |
| mogha-jñānāḥ | of vain knowledge | cha | and |
| vichetasaḥ | bewildered, devoid of discrimination | eva | indeed |
| prakṛitim | nature, disposition | ||
| mohinīm | bewildering, deluding | ||
| śhritāḥ | having taken shelter in | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the inner condition of those who disregard the Lord. Their hopes, their actions and even their knowledge turn out to be empty, because they have taken shelter of a deluding nature that is demonic and self-centered.
Essence
The Emptiness of a Life Without the Lord
The previous verse spoke of those who disrespect the Lord. Here, Lord Krishna reveals the consequence of this attitude, not as a punishment but as a natural result. When life is cut off from its highest source, everything built upon it loses real substance.
Moghāśāḥ (of vain hopes): The word mogha means empty, futile or wasted. Their desires and ambitions are directed toward temporary objects that cannot give lasting fulfillment. They keep hoping for happiness from things that cannot provide it.
Mogha-karmāṇaḥ (of vain actions): Their work may appear impressive, but because it is not guided by dharma or offered to a higher purpose, it fails to produce real, lasting benefit and leaves them restless.
Mogha-jñānāḥ (of vain knowledge): They may acquire a great deal of information and skill, yet if knowledge does not lead to humility and understanding of the Self, it remains hollow. It can even become a source of pride.
Vicetasaḥ (devoid of discrimination): They lack viveka, the ability to distinguish what is eternal from what is temporary, and what is truly beneficial from what is merely pleasing.
Rākṣasīm āsurīṁ caiva prakṛtiṁ mohinīm (the deluding rākṣasic and āsuric nature): These terms describe a mentality driven by aggression, greed, arrogance and sensual indulgence. Such a nature is mohinī, deluding, because it promises happiness but increases confusion and suffering. This is not a label for particular people but a warning about tendencies within every mind.
Message for Everyday Life (Checking Whether Our Efforts Are Meaningful)
Examine the direction of your efforts: It is possible to be extremely busy and still feel empty. This often happens when our goals are driven only by ego, comparison or the pursuit of pleasure.
Practical approach: Periodically ask: "Are my hopes, my work and my learning bringing me wisdom, peace and the ability to serve others?" If not, adjust your direction. Anchoring your efforts in values such as honesty, humility and service gives them lasting meaning.
The Emptiness of a Life Without the Lord
The previous verse spoke of those who disrespect the Lord. Here, Lord Krishna reveals the consequence of this attitude, not as a punishment but as a natural result. When life is cut off from its highest source, everything built upon it loses real substance.
Moghāśāḥ (of vain hopes): The word mogha means empty, futile or wasted. Their desires and ambitions are directed toward temporary objects that cannot give lasting fulfillment. They keep hoping for happiness from things that cannot provide it.
Mogha-karmāṇaḥ (of vain actions): Their work may appear impressive, but because it is not guided by dharma or offered to a higher purpose, it fails to produce real, lasting benefit and leaves them restless.
Mogha-jñānāḥ (of vain knowledge): They may acquire a great deal of information and skill, yet if knowledge does not lead to humility and understanding of the Self, it remains hollow. It can even become a source of pride.
Vicetasaḥ (devoid of discrimination): They lack viveka, the ability to distinguish what is eternal from what is temporary, and what is truly beneficial from what is merely pleasing.
Rākṣasīm āsurīṁ caiva prakṛtiṁ mohinīm (the deluding rākṣasic and āsuric nature): These terms describe a mentality driven by aggression, greed, arrogance and sensual indulgence. Such a nature is mohinī, deluding, because it promises happiness but increases confusion and suffering. This is not a label for particular people but a warning about tendencies within every mind.
Message for Everyday Life (Checking Whether Our Efforts Are Meaningful)
Examine the direction of your efforts: It is possible to be extremely busy and still feel empty. This often happens when our goals are driven only by ego, comparison or the pursuit of pleasure.
Practical approach: Periodically ask: "Are my hopes, my work and my learning bringing me wisdom, peace and the ability to serve others?" If not, adjust your direction. Anchoring your efforts in values such as honesty, humility and service gives them lasting meaning.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the emptiness of those who are trapped in a deluding, demonic nature. In contrast, the next verse turns to the great souls who take shelter of the divine nature and worship Him with a mind that is fixed on Him alone, knowing Him as the imperishable origin of all beings.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Effort without direction is effort wasted.
A hope built on sand falls with the tide.
Knowing without wisdom is empty.
Discrimination is the compass of effort.
Selfishness is a poor guide.
Beware the comfort of a deluded dream.
Direction can always be changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'mogha-āśhāḥ' (of vain hopes) mean?
What do 'mogha-karmāṇaḥ' (of futile actions) and 'mogha-jñānāḥ' (of vain knowledge) mean?
What are 'rākṣhasīm' (demoniac) and 'āsurīm' (ungodly) natures?
What does 'mohinīm' (bewildering) mean here?
What is the practical message of this verse?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: