The Yoga of Knowledge

After teaching about resolute wisdom, Krishna critiques its opposite: those who speak elaborately about the Vedas but miss their essence. 'Flowery speech' (puṣpitā vāk) means impressive religious talk focused on rituals and rewards. These 'unwise' (avipaścitaḥ) practitioners perform ceremonies mechanically, believing material gains are the ultimate goal. They claim 'there is nothing else'—no higher purpose beyond worldly success. They miss what the scriptures actually teach: liberation through self-knowledge. Krishna isn't condemning the Vedas but those who reduce profound teachings to a transactional system—perform this ritual, get that reward—rather than a path to wisdom.