3. Selfless Service

Karm Yog

BG 3.11

Nourish the gods with sacrifice, and they will support you in return. In supporting each other, you shall attain the highest prosperity.

देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः
परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ

  • devān — celestial gods

  • bhāvayatānena — will be pleased by these

  • te — those

  • devā — celestial beings

  • bhāvayantu — will be pleased

  • vaḥ — you

  • parasparaṁ — one another

  • bhāvayantaḥ — pleasing one another

  • śhreyaḥ — prosperity

  • param — the supreme

  • avāpsyatha — shall achieve

...3.9

In the beginning, God created all beings in a holy sacrifice, and said to them: "By this, you shall prosper, and all your wishes will be granted".

[10]

Nourish the gods with sacrifice, and they will support you in return. In supporting each other, you shall attain the highest prosperity.

[11]

Nourished by sacrifice, nature will provide all you desire. One who enjoys the bounty of the gods without offering anything in return is a common thief.

[12]

The righteous, who eat what remains after sacrifice, are freed from all sin. Those who cook only for themselves feed only upon sin.

[13]

All beings are nourished by food, and all food is produced by rain. Rain is brought forth by sacrifice - the ritual of performing one's duties.

[14]

All action originates from Brahma, the imperishable supreme spirit, who is present in all sacrificial actions.

[15]

One who does not help turn the revolving wheel of sacrifice, but instead lives a sinful life of sensual gratification, is breathing in vain.

[16]

3.17...
Chapter 3, Verse 11