II: 42

Chapter 2, Verse 42

"Those who lack discernment
May quote the letter of the scriptures,
But they are denying its inner truth."

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:

"The Vedas are authentic expositions of the Dharma, the path of evolution. They elucidate, step by step, the gradual process of the integration of life and teach the knowledge by which a person may rise through all levels of evolution and arrive at final liberation. To enable one to profit by this wisdom of life, the Vedas advocate a course of disciplined action and thought. The discipline of action is dealt with in those chapters collectively called the Karma Kanda, which means pertaining to action. In this and the following two verses, Krishna refers to the Karma Kanda.

The purpose of the Vedic Karma Kanda is to establish a code of action that will bring success and prosperity in this life and hereafter. It deals with the rites and rituals necessary to establish coordination between the different aspects of individual life: coordination between humanity and other creatures, between humanity and the forces of nature, between humanity and angels, and between humanity and God. The Karma Kanda of the Vedas lays down specific conditions for the attainment of specific results. It is a clear, practical exposition of the laws of nature governing cause and effect in creation."

Swami Shivananda:

"Unwise people who lack discernment place great stress upon the Karma Kanda. They extol these actions and rewards unduly. They are highly enamored of such Vedic passages which prescribe ways for the attainment of heavenly enjoyments. However, life in heaven is also transitory. After the fruits of one's good actions have been exhausted, one returns to the earth-plane for more lessons. Freedom can only be realized through knowledge of the Self and not by performing even a thousand and one rituals."