Chapter 4, Verse 31 (Bhagavad Gita 4.31)
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action
Sanskrit Shloka
यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम्। नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतो़ऽन्यः कुरुसत्तम
Transliteration
yajña-śhiṣhṭāmṛita-bhujo yānti brahma sanātanam nāyaṁ loko ’styayajñasya kuto ’nyaḥ kuru-sattama
Word Meanings
yajña-śhiṣhṭa amṛita-bhujaḥ—they partake of the nectarean remnants of sacrifice; yānti—go; brahma—the Absolute Truth; sanātanam—eternal; na—never; ayam—this; lokaḥ—planet; asti—is; ayajñasya—for one who performs no sacrifice; kutaḥ—how; anyaḥ—other (world); kuru-sat-tama—best of the Kurus, Arjun
Translation
Those who live on the nectar of the remains of sacrifice attain the eternal Brahman. This world is not for the one who does not sacrifice; how then can they have the other, O Arjuna?
Meaning & Commentary
This verse emphasizes that life becomes meaningful only when every action is performed as an offering to the Divine, rather than for personal gratification. When we consume the 'remnants of sacrifice,' we are metaphorically accepting our life experiences as a divine gift, which cleanses the ego and aligns us with the eternal nature of the soul. A life devoid of sacrifice—where one acts only out of selfish desire—leads to perpetual discontent and spiritual isolation. By shifting our perspective from 'my actions' to 'offered actions,' we transform mundane survival into a sacred journey. Ultimately, true happiness in this world and liberation in the next depend entirely on our ability to give, serve, and let go of the fruits of our labors.