Bhagavad Gita 3.15

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 15: The Eternal Cycle of Sacrifice

Sanskrit Verse

कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्।
तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्॥ १५ ॥

Transliteration

Karma brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi brahmākṣara-samudbhavam
Tasmāt sarva-gataṁ brahma nityaṁ yajñe pratiṣṭhitam

Meaning of the Verse

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Karma Yoga) explains the divine cycle of creation, action, and sacrifice. It states:

1. Karma (Action) originates from Brahman – All actions are rooted in the Supreme Reality, which is the source of all existence.
2. Brahman emerges from the imperishable (Akshara) – The eternal and unchanging principle (Akshara) gives rise to Brahman, the cosmic order.
3. Sacrifice sustains the universe – The all-pervading Brahman is always established in sacrifice (Yajña), which means that all creation and sustenance depend on selfless offerings and righteous actions.

भगवद गीता (अध्याय 3, कर्म योग) का यह श्लोक सृष्टि, कर्म और बलिदान के दिव्य चक्र की व्याख्या करता है। इसमें कहा गया है: 

1. कर्म (कर्म) ब्रह्म से उत्पन्न होता है - सभी कर्म सर्वोच्च वास्तविकता में निहित हैं, जो सभी अस्तित्व का स्रोत है। 

2. ब्रह्म अविनाशी (अक्षर) से निकलता है - शाश्वत और अपरिवर्तनीय सिद्धांत (अक्षर) ब्रह्म, ब्रह्मांडीय व्यवस्था को जन्म देता है। 

3. बलिदान ब्रह्मांड को बनाए रखता है - सर्वव्यापी ब्रह्म हमेशा बलिदान (यज्ञ) में स्थापित होता है, जिसका अर्थ है कि सभी सृजन और पोषण निस्वार्थ प्रसाद और धार्मिक कार्यों पर निर्भर करते हैं।

Philosophical Interpretation

Krishna, in this verse, highlights the interdependent nature of life and the importance of selfless action. The cycle of creation, sustenance, and dissolution functions in harmony only when actions are performed with a spirit of sacrifice (Yajña).

• Yajña (Sacrifice) as a Cosmic Principle: In Vedic philosophy, Yajña is not just fire rituals but any selfless action performed for the greater good. It represents a sense of duty (Dharma) without attachment to results.
• Karma and Cosmic Order: The world operates through karma, which must align with Dharma. If actions are performed selfishly, the balance of the universe is disturbed.
• Brahman as the Eternal Foundation: Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the sustaining force behind the cycle of life. When actions are dedicated to Brahman with sincerity and devotion, they lead to spiritual growth and harmony.

Relevance in Daily Life

1. Selfless Work – Every action should be performed with a sense of service rather than personal gain.
2. Harmony with Nature – Just as nature gives selflessly (e.g., the sun, rivers, and trees), humans must contribute positively to society.
3. Spiritual Perspective – Actions performed with devotion and awareness of the divine lead to inner peace and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita 3.15 teaches that the universe thrives on sacrifice, and selfless actions align us with the cosmic order. By dedicating our work to a higher purpose, we harmonize with the divine and experience true fulfillment.