3. Selfless Service

Karm Yog

BG 3.12

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.

इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः

  • iṣhṭān — desired

  • bhogān — necessities of life

  • hi — certainly

  • vo — unto you

  • devā — the celestial gods

  • dāsyante — will grant

  • yajña-bhāvitāḥ — satisfied by sacrifice

    • yajña — ritual, sacrifice

    • bhāvitāḥ — satisfied

  • tair — by them

  • dattān — things granted

  • apradāyaibhyo — without offering to them

  • yo — who

  • bhuṅkte — enjoys

  • stena — thief

  • eva — certainly

  • saḥ — they

...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...

Similar verses

Chapter 3, Verse 12