Chapter 4 Verse 25
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
दैवमेवापरे यज्ञं योगिनः पर्युपासते। ब्रह्माग्नावपरे यज्ञं यज्ञेनैवोपजुह्वति।।4.25।।
daivam evāpare yajñaṁ yoginaḥ paryupāsate brahmāgnāvapare yajñaṁ yajñenaivopajuhvati
Word Meanings
| daivam | the celestial gods |
| eva | indeed |
| apare | others |
| yajñam | sacrifice |
| yoginaḥ | spiritual practioners |
| paryupāsate | worship |
| brahma | of the Supreme Truth |
| agnau | in the fire |
| apare | others |
| yajñam | sacrifice |
| yajñena | by sacrifice |
| eva | indeed |
| upajuhvati | offer |
Translation
Some yogis perform sacrifice to the gods alone; while others, who have realized the Self, offer the Self as sacrifice in the fire of Brahman alone.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse contrasts two ways people approach the sacred. Some focus outwardly, offering rites and worship to gods as separate powers.
Those who have realized the Self go deeper: they offer their own being into the fire of Brahman (the Supreme). This means surrendering the ego and personal desires, recognizing that the true doer is not the small self but the universal Reality.
The teaching shows spiritual growth: outward rituals can lead to inner sacrifice, and the highest practice is living as an offering—acting without selfish attachment and merging one’s sense of self with the divine.
Life Application
- Before acting, dedicate your work and its results to something larger than your ego (God, the good of others, or a higher purpose).
- Practice small acts of surrender: notice and let go of wishes for praise, control, or special credit in daily tasks.
- Use rituals or prayers if they help, but gradually turn attention inward to offer your intentions and habits, not just external actions.
Reflection Question
What small habit or desire can I offer up today to act from a deeper, less self-centered place?