Those who study the Vedas and drink the soma juice, seeking the heavenly planets, worship Me indirectly. Purified of sinful reactions, they take birth on the pious, heavenly planet of Indra, where they enjoy godly delights.

Those who follow the Vedic rituals with sincere devotion, seeking heaven as their reward, do reach exalted realms. They are purified, they enjoy divine pleasures, and their path is honorable. And yet — as the next verse will reveal — it is not the highest path, for it leads to a destination that, however glorious, is still temporary.