Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 11

English Translation

'You nourish the gods with this. Let those gods nourish you. Nourishing one another, you shall attain the supreme Good.'

Detailed Commentary

।।3.11।। Explanation -- 'Saha Yajnah Prajah Srishtva Puro Uvacha Prajapatih' meaning that Lord Brahma is the creator and master of the *Prajah* (beings/creation). Therefore, He constantly contemplates the protection and welfare of the *Prajah*. It is the duty of one who creates to protect what has been brought forth. Lord Brahma, having created the *Prajah*, protects them and considers their well-being, hence He is called 'Prajapati'. At the beginning of creation, Lord Brahma fashioned humans with the capacity for *Kartavya-karma* (dutiful actions) and *Viveka* (discriminating wisdom). The proper use of favorable and unfavorable circumstances leads to welfare. Therefore, Lord Brahma created humans specifically by endowing them with the *Viveka* to utilize these circumstances. Animals, birds, trees, etc., naturally perform *paropakar* (benevolence), but humans possess a special power of discrimination. Thus, if a human makes proper use of *Viveka*, spontaneous righteous actions can also emanate from them. *Devas*, *Rishis*, *Pitris*, humans, and all other beings are *Praja*, but humans bear the responsibility of nurturing other beings. Here, the word 'Praja' is specifically used for humans. *Karma Yoga* has been in continuous practice since time immemorial (*anadi kala*). In the Fourth Chapter, the Lord states that this *Karma Yoga* had been lost for a long time, which He has now revealed again. Lord Brahma taught the *Praja* to perform their duties at the very beginning of creation. The tradition of *Karma Yoga* (performing dutiful actions with a selfless attitude) has thus been continuous since primordial times. In the Fourth Chapter, the means to attain the Supreme Being are referred to as 'Yajna', such as *Dravya Yajna* (material sacrifice), *Tapa Yajna* (austerity sacrifice), *Yoga Yajna* (union sacrifice), etc. The meaning of *Yajna* is not merely a fire ritual (*hawan*), but all actions performed according to scriptural injunctions (*Shastravidhi*). Dutiful actions (*Kartavya-karma*) performed according to one's *varna*, *Dharma*, society, etc., fall under 'Yajna'. All actions performed for the welfare of others are also called 'Yajna'. The responsibility of 'Yajna' rests upon humanity. 'Anena Prasavishyadhvam Esh Vo'stva Ishta Kamadhuk' - Lord Brahma states that by fulfilling your respective duties, you shall cause the progress of all, and through this, you will continuously receive ample provisions. To dispel Arjuna's inclination not to act, Lord Krishna said that one should learn the lesson of performing duties even from Lord Brahma's words. Performing duties will lead to your worldly (*Laukik*) and other-worldly (*Paralaukik*) advancement. A human being becomes liberated by merely fulfilling duties with a selfless attitude (*Nishkama Bhava*), and becomes bound by acting with a desirous attitude (*Sakama Bhava*). Here, the exposition is about duty performed with *Nishkama Bhava*. The term 'Ishtakama' here refers to the necessary provisions for *Yajna*. A *Karma Yogi* is always ready to serve others, and thus receives the capacity and resources for service with ease. The provisions for *Kartavya-karma* are fully obtained by all. No scripture mandates the enjoyment of worldly pleasures. Our relationships exist for service, not for asserting rights. For example, it is a son's duty to care for his parents. To benefit others through the fulfillment of duty is *Dharma*. The performance of duty protects the rights of others; but asserting one's own rights leads to downfall in this world (*Loka*) and the next (*Paraloka*). One who does nothing for oneself is truly fulfilled (*Kritakritya*). Such a person avoids violence because they have no self-interest (*Svartha*). Therefore, an individual who performs duties with a selfless attitude (*Nishkama Bhava*) attains ultimate welfare (*Parama Kalyan*). All beings can achieve this, but only humans have been granted the opportunity to attain ultimate welfare by fulfilling their duties.