Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 14

English Translation

From food are born the creatures; the origin of food is from rainfall; rainfall originates from sacrifice; sacrifice has action as its origin.

Detailed Commentary

**3.14** **Explanation:** **'From Anna arise all beings'** - That which is consumed to sustain life is called *Anna*. Whatever constitutes the food for a creature, from which its body is formed and nourished, is referred to as *Anna* here. For example, if an earthworm lives by eating soil, then soil is its *Anna*. The four types of beings – *Jarāyuja* (viviparous: humans, animals, etc.), *Udbhijja* (born from sprouts: trees, etc.), *Aṇḍaja* (oviparous: birds, snakes, ants, etc.), and *Svedaja* (born from sweat: lice, etc.) – all originate from and are sustained by *Anna*. **'From Parjanya comes the production of Anna'** - All food substances originate from water. Grass, grains, etc., are certainly produced from water, and water is also the cause for the formation of soil. All materials necessary for bodily sustenance, whether gross or subtle, are connected to water, and the basis of water is rain (*Varṣā*). **'From Yajna arises Parjanya'** - The primary meaning of *Yajna* is offering oblations. However, according to the Gita, *Yajna* here signifies all dutiful actions (*Kartavya-karma*). Sacrifice (*Tyāga*) holds significance in *Yajna*. Offering oblations, giving in charity (*Dāna*), performing austerities (*Tapasya*), and carrying out one's duties – all are forms of *Tyāga*. Hence, *Yajna* here means actions prescribed by the scriptures such as *Dāna*, *Tapas*, etc. The *Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad* narrates a story: Prajāpati Brahmāji instructed the Devas, humans, and Asuras with the syllable 'Da'. The Devas understood 'Da' to mean 'Self-control' (*Daman*), humans understood it as 'Charity' (*Dāna*), and the Asuras understood it as 'Compassion' (*Dayā*). The aim of all these was to benefit others. During the rainy season, clouds thunder 'Da Da', reminding us of Brahmāji's instruction. How will performing one's duties lead to rain? The impact of conduct on others is significant. If people perform their respective duties, it will influence even the Devas, and they too will perform their duty of bringing rain. The story of the farmer boys is another example, where Indra brought rain upon seeing their diligent performance of duty. **'Yajna is born of Karma'** - Every kind of selfless action (*Nishkāma Karma*) is called *Yajna*. Working for the welfare of the many is also *Yajna*. Every scripturally prescribed action, performed selflessly, keeping in mind one's *Varṇa*, *Āśrama*, country (*Deśa*), and time (*Kāla*), is *Yajna*. By eliminating selfishness, ego, and other flaws from actions, those actions become *Yajna*. **'Know Karma to be born of Brahma'** - The Vedas describe the methods of dutiful actions, hence they are said to be born of the Vedas. **'Brahma is born of Akṣara'** - Here, the word *Brahma* refers to the Vedas. The Vedas manifested from the Sacchidānanda (the Absolute Being, Consciousness, Bliss). Thus, the Supreme Being is the root of all. The Supreme Being operates the cycle of creation. The Vedas impart the knowledge of duty. From performing duty, *Yajna* arises; from *Yajna*, rain; and from rain, *Anna*. This entire cycle is managed. **'Therefore, the all-pervading Brahma is eternally established in Yajna'** - Here, the word *Brahma* refers to the Supreme Being (*Parmātmā*). Although omnipresent, the Supreme Being is specially established in *Yajna*. Where duty is performed selflessly, there the Supreme Being is present. Therefore, to attain Him, one must perform one's duties. **'Doubt'** - Why is the Supreme Being, though omnipresent, only established in *Yajna*? Is He not established elsewhere? **'Resolution'** - The Supreme Being is everywhere, but His attainment is experienced in *Yajna*. Just as water is found in a well, so too is the Supreme Being found in *Yajna*. Performing actions for one's own selfish motives obstructs the attainment of the Supreme Being, whereas selfless action removes that obstruction. Therefore, Arjuna is instructed to perform his duty. **Connection:** It is humanity's responsibility to participate in the cycle of creation and perform its duties. In the subsequent verse, the Lord condemns those who do not perform their duties.