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Chapter 3 · Karma-yoga · 43 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Duty & actionChapter 3 · Karma-yoga
3.113.13

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.12

The cycle of sacrifice and duty

Karma · Action

इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः ।

तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः ॥ १२ ॥

iṣṭān bhogān hi vo devā

dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ

tair dattān apradāyaibhyo

yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ

Translation

In charge of the various necessities of life, the demigods, being satisfied by the performance of yajña [sacrifice], will supply all necessities to you. But he who enjoys such gifts without offering them to the demigods in return is certainly a thief.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Using the Lord’s Gifts

  1. 1

    Demigods satisfied by sacrifice supply life’s necessities. Anyone who enjoys these gifts without offering to them in return is a thief.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that demigods supply necessities on behalf of the Supreme Lord, Viṣṇu. All prescribed sacrifices are ultimately offered to Him.

  3. 3

    Use the Lord’s supplies to stay healthy and pursue self-realization, not merely to satisfy your senses.

Key points from the purport

These notes cover verses 3.11–12

How our desire can be fulfilled in material world by demigod worship

Demigods being pleased by sacrifices will please the living entities; thus by co-operation between men and demigods prosperity will reign over all (3.11)

Without yajna, one is a thief – One who enjoys the gifts without offering them to the demigods is certainly a thief (3.12)

Connected verses · 1

Texts 3.12 & 3.13

Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.

Further reading

From Karma Kanda To Karma-Yoga

If one cannot perform detached, dutiful work; it is better to follow Karma-kanda section of Vedas

But do it for Krishna’s pleasure (All the Vedic duties which prescribe sacrifices, etc.)

Chapter 3, section III: From Karma Kanda To Karma-Yoga
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. iṣṭāndesired
  2. bhogānnecessities of life
  3. hicertainly
  4. vaḥunto you
  5. devāḥthe demigods
  6. dāsyantewill award
  7. yajña-bhāvitāḥbeing satisfied by the performance of sacrifices
  8. taiḥby them
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: karma, sva-dharma.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 3.12 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to duty & action?

Practice

Do one task today purely because it is right.

5

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 3 ›
6

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 3.10The cycle of sacrifice and dutyBG 3.11The cycle of sacrifice and dutyBG 2.47Responsibility without ownership of outcomes
Live this todayWork for Kṛṣṇa’s SatisfactionA practice from BG 3.9, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction