Chapter 3, Verse 15 (Bhagavad Gita 3.15)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्। तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्
Transliteration
karma brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi brahmākṣhara-samudbhavam tasmāt sarva-gataṁ brahma nityaṁ yajñe pratiṣhṭhitam
Word Meanings
karma—duties; brahma—in the Vedas; udbhavam—manifested; viddhi—you should know; brahma—The Vedas; akṣhara—from the Imperishable (God); samudbhavam—directly manifested; tasmāt—therefore; sarva-gatam—all-pervading; brahma—The Lord; nityam—eternally; yajñe—in sacrifice; pratiṣhṭhitam—established
Translation
Know that all action originates from the Vedas (Brahma), and the Vedas originate from the Imperishable Supreme Brahman. Therefore, the all-pervading Brahman is eternally established in acts of sacrifice.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse bridges the gap between individual duty and the Absolute Truth. It reminds us that our actions are not isolated incidents but are part of a divine cosmic order that flows from the Ultimate Source. By understanding that every purposeful act is a form of sacrifice (Yajna), we transform mundane labor into a sacred offering. This perspective liberates the seeker from ego-driven effort, allowing them to remain anchored in the stillness of the Divine while performing the necessary functions of life. It teaches us that to serve the cosmic order is to touch the eternal.