Chapter 3 Verse 10
Karm Yog
सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः। अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक्।।3.10।।
saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛiṣhṭvā purovācha prajāpatiḥ anena prasaviṣhyadhvam eṣha vo ’stviṣhṭa-kāma-dhuk
Word Meanings
| saha | along with |
| yajñāḥ | sacrifices |
| prajāḥ | humankind |
| sṛiṣhṭvā | created |
| purā | in beginning |
| uvācha | said |
| prajā-patiḥ | Brahma |
| anena | by this |
| prasaviṣhyadhvam | increase prosperity |
| eṣhaḥ | these |
| vaḥ | your |
| astu | shall be |
| iṣhṭa-kāma-dhuk | bestower of all wishes |
Translation
The Creator, having in the beginning created mankind together with sacrifice, said, "By this shall you propagate; let this be the milch cow of your desires—the cow that yields all the desired objects."
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
At the start of creation, the Divine set sacrifice (yajña) as the basic law of life. Humans were made together with the practice of giving and offering, so that life can continue and grow. The verse calls sacrifice the "milch cow" of desires: when cared for, it yields what we need.
Philosophically, this teaches that abundance depends on right action and sharing, not on selfish hoarding. Giving—whether through work, care, or resources—keeps the world balanced and returns benefits to the giver and the community.
Practically, the verse invites us to see our duties and actions as offerings. When we act with service and responsibility, we support others and create steady, dependable results instead of short-lived gains.
Life Application
- Treat your daily work as an offering: focus on doing it well and for others, not only for personal gain.
- Share resources and time regularly (help, donate, teach) to keep your community and your own life healthy.
- Avoid hoarding or purely selfish choices; invest in relationships and responsibilities that sustain long-term well-being.
Reflection Question
How can I make my next action or decision an offering that helps others as well as myself?