Chapter 3, Verse 11 (Bhagavad Gita 3.11)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः। परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ
Transliteration
devān bhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śhreyaḥ param avāpsyatha
Word Meanings
devān—celestial gods; bhāvayatā—will be pleased; anena—by these (sacrifices); te—those; devāḥ—celestial gods; bhāvayantu—will be pleased; vaḥ—you; parasparam—one another; bhāvayantaḥ—pleasing one another; śhreyaḥ—prosperity; param—the supreme; avāpsyatha—shall achieve
Translation
By this, you shall nourish the gods, and may those gods nourish you; thus, mutually nourishing one another, you shall attain the highest good.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse teaches the profound law of interconnectedness, establishing that life is sustained through a cycle of reciprocal contribution. Beyond mere ritual, it signifies that when we dedicate our actions to the greater whole and the cosmic order, we align ourselves with universal forces that support our personal growth. By serving others and acting with selfless intent, we dismantle the ego, fostering a sense of harmony that leads to spiritual maturity. Ultimately, the 'highest good' is achieved when one realizes that the individual and the universe are not separate, but are participants in a singular, divine exchange of energy and grace.