Chapter 3, Verse 13 (Bhagavad Gita 3.13)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः। भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्
Transliteration
yajña-śhiṣhṭāśhinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣhaiḥ bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pachantyātma-kāraṇāt
Word Meanings
yajña-śhiṣhṭa—of remnants of food offered in sacrifice; aśhinaḥ—eaters; santaḥ—saintly persons; muchyante—are released; sarva—all kinds of; kilbiṣhaiḥ—from sins; bhuñjate—enjoy; te—they; tu—but; agham—sins; pāpāḥ—sinners; ye—who; pachanti—cook (food); ātma-kāraṇāt—for their own sake
Translation
The righteous who eat the food offered in sacrifice are freed from all sins, but those sinful people who cook food only for their own enjoyment verily eat sin.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse teaches the profound principle of selfless living and the sacredness of our daily actions. When we view our sustenance as a gift resulting from a greater cosmic cycle of service rather than a private acquisition, our consumption becomes an act of purification. By dedicating our efforts and resources to the welfare of the collective, we dissolve the ego-centered boundaries that foster greed and isolation. Conversely, living solely for self-gratification anchors the soul in a cycle of accumulation that generates spiritual burden. Ultimately, true nourishment comes not just from the body, but from the consciousness of gratitude and service that accompanies our deeds.