Geethartha Chinthane 234: Moksha is greater than all rewards

bhogaiśvarya-prasaktānāṁ tayā apahṛta-cetasām
vyavasāyātmikā buddhiḥ samādhau na vidhīyate (2.44)

The nature of worldly pleasures and heavenly rewards is such that they attract the mind. When Vedic verses appear to promise these enjoyments, the mind becomes fixated on them and fails to remain firmly devoted to the Supreme Being, who is the actual ultimate goal.

Once the mind is absorbed in the desire for pleasures and heaven, the path toward the supreme reward — moksha (liberation) — is not pursued. As explained earlier, those who have only surface-level knowledge — described here as puṣpita jñāna — eagerly share it with others. But those who truly understand the greatness of moksha often remain silent.

People focused only on flowery speech are usually half-informed. They tend to divert attention away from liberation and direct it toward quick results like heaven or material success. Even among the public, there is a tendency to prefer what is easily attainable in a short time over the higher fruits that require deep and long-term effort.

While many are quick to dismiss the Vedas as false, they are not willing to undergo penance, meditation, or devotion toward God, as these require dedication and discipline. Thus, they develop indifference toward the true goal of life — moksha.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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