BG 3.16
One who does not help turn the revolving wheel of sacrifice, but instead lives a sinful life of sensual gratification, is breathing in vain.
अघायुरिन्द्रियारामो मोघं पार्थ स जीवति
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evaṁ — thus
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pravartitaṁ — set into motion
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chakraṁ — cycle
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nānuvartayatīha — not followed in this life
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na — not
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anuvartayati — follow
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iha — in this life
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yaḥ — who
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aghāyur — sinful living
agha-āyuḥ—sinful living -
indriyārāmo — for sensual pleasure
indriya-ārāmaḥ—for the delight of their senses -
moghaṁ — vainly
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pārtha — Arjuna
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sa — they
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jīvati — live
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". Nourish the gods with sacrifice, and they will support you in return. In supporting each other, you shall attain the highest prosperity. 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. The righteous, who eat what remains after sacrifice, are freed from all sin. Those who cook only for themselves feed only upon sin. 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. All action originates from Brahma, the imperishable supreme spirit, who is present in all sacrificial actions. One who does not help turn the revolving wheel of sacrifice, but instead lives a sinful life of sensual gratification, is breathing in vain.
Similar verses
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When they have enjoyed the vastness of heaven, having exhausted the result of their pious activities, they fall back to the mortal realm. Thus, those who seek sensual pleasure by only adhering to Vedic principles only achieve the cycle of birth and death.
- Verse 9.21
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One who neglects the command of the scriptures and acts under the impulse of desire does not attain perfection, happiness, nor the highest goal.
- Verse 16.23
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Self-conceited, stubborn, intoxicated by wealth and pride, they perform sacrifice in name only, without regard to what is ordained in the scriptures.
- Verse 16.17
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Others, kindled by wisdom, sacrifice their activities and their breathing into the fire of self-restraint.
- Verse 4.27
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There are those who practice austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, enslaved to hypocrisy and their own ego, carried away by desire and passion.
- Verse 17.5