Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 12 (BG 4.12) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

Both righteous action and unrighteous action require the same divine consciousness and the power of the Divine—both are equally available. Yet the mind remains outward-turned, and when the senses come into contact with their objects, attachment arises to the lower pleasures of sensation. Such pleasures are easily obtained. Despite countless efforts, we remain absorbed in worldly enjoyment. The Lord reveals the reason: in this world, the fruits of action ripen swiftly. For ordinary people, gaining pleasure through sensory indulgence appears simple. Even though such pleasure is base, it comes without resistance, and thus the person who desires peace and happiness squanders his spiritual power in the pursuit and enjoyment of these things. We all know the truth of this from our own experience. The above description is not limited merely to common worldly pleasures, but extends to our other attainments as well. Compared to the plant and animal kingdoms, through well-ordered actions we can compel nature to provide us greater comfort and ease. People who follow the higher and lower paths of life may be divided based on their inward-turning and outward-turning tendencies. These outward-turned people may further be classified into four types, the basis of which is their thoughts (qualities) and actions.