BG 7.20

Those whose wisdom has been carried away by material desires, worship other Gods and practice whatever rites they prefer.

कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञानाः प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवताः
तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियताः स्वया

kāmais — by material desires
tais tair — by various
hṛita-jñānāḥ — whose knowledge has been carried away
- hṛita
- jñānāḥ
prapadyante — surrender
’nya-devatāḥ — to other celestial gods
anya—to other; devatāḥ—celestial gods
- ’nya — to other
- devatāḥ — celestial gods
taṁ taṁ — the various
niyamam — rules and regulations
āsthāya — following
prakṛityā — by nature
niyatāḥ — controlled
svayā — by their own

There are four kinds of people who worship me - the pious, the seekers of knowledge, the seekers of material gain, and the wise.

[16]

Of all these, the wise, ever steadfast in devotion, are most dear to me - and I am most dear to them.

[17]

All four are of noble mind, but those who are wise are a reflection of myself - steadfast in mind, with me as the ultimate goal.

[18]

After many lives, the wise one realizes that "all is God" and surrenders to me. Such a soul is very rare.

[19]

Those whose wisdom has been carried away by material desires, worship other Gods and practice whatever rites they prefer.

[20]

Whatever the form of worship, if the worshipper does so with faith, then I bestow steady faith upon them.

[21]

Endowed with that faith, their desire in worship will certainly be granted.

[22]

BG 7.20 Listen