Chapter 3 Verse 12
Karm Yog
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः। तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः।।3.12।।
iṣhṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ
Word Meanings
| iṣhṭān | desired |
| bhogān | necessities of life |
| hi | certainly |
| vaḥ | unto you |
| devāḥ | the celestial gods |
| dāsyante | will grant |
| yajña-bhāvitāḥ | satisfied by sacrifice |
| taiḥ | by them |
| dattān | things granted |
| apradāya | without offering |
| ebhyaḥ | to them |
| yaḥ | who |
| bhuṅkte | enjoys |
| stenaḥ | thieves |
| eva | verily |
| saḥ | they |
Translation
The gods, nourished by the sacrifice, will give you the desired objects. So, he who enjoys the objects given by the gods without offering anything in return is indeed a thief.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that when we offer back to life — symbolized by sacrifice (yajña) — the world supports us with what we need. Support comes from a system of giving and receiving, not from taking alone.
To enjoy benefits without giving anything in return is called theft here. Spiritually, that means living only for personal gain cuts us off from deeper support and creates imbalance in our life and community.
Yajña is not only ritual; it means honest work, sharing, gratitude, and service. When we act with that spirit, our actions become part of a healthy, flowing exchange that helps everyone.
Life Application
- Share a portion of your time, money, or food each week — small, regular giving keeps relationships and communities strong.
- Before using or enjoying something, pause and offer a thought of thanks or a small act of service to remind yourself of reciprocity.
- Do one selfless act this week (help a neighbor, volunteer, recycle) to keep the flow of give-and-take alive.
Reflection Question
What is one simple thing I can give back today to restore balance in my life?