कामैस्तैस्तैर्हृतज्ञानाः प्रपद्यन्तेऽन्यदेवताः। तं तं नियममास्थाय प्रकृत्या नियताः स्वया॥
kāmais tais tair hṛita-jñānāḥ prapadyante 'nya-devatāḥ taṁ taṁ niyamam āsthāya prakṛityā niyatāḥ svayā
Meaning
Those whose knowledge is carried away by various desires surrender to other deities, following various rituals according to their own natures.
When desire dominates, people seek gods who can fulfill those specific desires. This isn't wrong — it's a natural stage. But it's limited because the focus is on getting something rather than true liberation. Various practices and deities serve various purposes, but they may not lead to ultimate freedom.
Strength Reflection
"I examine whether my spiritual seeking is driven by desire for things or by longing for liberation."
Devotional Surrender
Lord, purify my seeking. Let me want You for Yourself, not just for what You can give me.