Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 15

English Translation

Know that actin has the veda as its origin; the Vedas has the Immutable as its source. Hence, the all-pervading Veda is for ever based on sacrifice.

Detailed Commentary

।।3.15।। Explanation – 'Annnād bhavanti bhūtāni' — That which is consumed to sustain life is called 'Anna' (food). Whatever is the food for a being, by consuming which its body originates, is nourished, and thrives, that is termed 'Anna' here. For instance, an earthworm lives by eating earth, so earth is its Anna. The four types of beings – Jarayuja (viviparous, like humans and animals), Udbhijja (born from earth, like trees), Andaja (oviparous, like birds, snakes, and ants), and Svedaja (born from sweat, like lice) – all originate from Anna and subsist on it. 'Parjanyād anna-sambhavaḥ' — All food substances originate from water. Grass, grains, etc., certainly come from water, and water is also the cause of the very formation of soil. Anna, water, clothes, shelter, and all materials for bodily sustenance are connected to water, in gross or subtle forms, and water's foundation is rain (Varsha). 'Yajñād bhavati parjanyaḥ' — The word 'Yajna' denotes the act of offering oblations. However, in the context of the Bhagavad Gita's principles and Karma Yoga, 'Yajna' here symbolizes all dutiful actions (kartavya-karmas). Renunciation (tyaga) is paramount in Yajna. Just as offering oblations involves the renunciation of Anna, Ghee, and other things. Dana (charity) involves the renunciation of objects. Tapas (austerity) involves the renunciation of one's own pleasure and enjoyment. Performing Karma involves the renunciation of one's selfishness and comfort. Hence, 'Yajna' is a symbol of all scripturally ordained actions such as Yajna (Havan), Dana, Tapas, etc. There is a story in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Prajapati Brahma, having created Devas (gods), Manusya (humans), and Asuras (demons), imparted the single syllable 'Da'. The Devas, having an abundance of enjoyments, understood 'Da' to mean 'Damyata' (control yourselves). Humans understood it as 'Datta' (give), and Asuras understood it as 'Dayadhvam' (be compassionate). This was for the welfare of all. During the rainy season, the clouds roar 'Da Da', reminding one of Brahma's instruction. How will performing dutiful actions lead to rain? Conduct has a greater impact than words – 'Yadyadācarati śreṣṭhastattadevetaro janaḥ' (Gita 3.21). This will also affect the Devas; they too will perform their duties and bring rain (Gita 3.11). There is a story where four farmer boys performed their duties even without rain, which made the peacocks call out, and then the clouds roared, prompting Indra to command rain. 'Yajñaḥ karma-samudbhavaḥ' — All actions performed with a dispassionate attitude are Yajna. For instance, Agnihotra for a Brahmachari, cooking for women, are 'Yajna'. If Ayurvedic practitioners perform medical work solely for the welfare of people, that itself is 'Yajna'. If students pursue their studies and traders conduct their business for the benefit of others, they are 'Yajna'. Just as Vaidyas purify poisons like mercury and bhilawa and administer them as medicine, if we remove elements like desire, possessiveness, attachment, partiality, selfishness, and ego, which are like poison in our actions, then those actions become nectar-like. These nectar-like actions are called 'Yajna'. 'Karma Brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi' — The Vedas describe the methods of dutiful actions. Humans gain knowledge of the methods of dutiful actions from the Vedas. The word 'Veda' includes Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, Smritis, Puranas, Itihasas, and the experienced sayings of various Acharyas. 'Brahmākṣara-samudbhavam' — Here 'Brahma' refers to the Veda. The Vedas manifest from the Paramatma. The Vedas describe the method of duty. Performance of duty leads to Yajna, Yajna leads to rain, rain leads to Anna, Anna leads to beings, and they perform dutiful actions. This is the cycle of creation (Srishti-chakra). 'Tasmātsarvagataṁ Brahma nityaṁ Yajñe pratiṣṭhitam' — Here 'Brahma' refers to the Paramatma. Although the Paramatma is omnipresent (sarvagata), He is specially present in 'Yajna'. Where dutiful actions are performed with a dispassionate attitude, there the Paramatma resides. The Paramatma can be easily attained through one's dutiful actions – 'Svakarmaṇā tamabhyarcya siddhiṁ vindati mānavaḥ' (Gita 18.46). Doubt – If the Paramatma is omnipresent, why is He said to be eternally established only in Yajna? Resolution – The Paramatma is eternally present everywhere equally. 'Sarvagata' means that Yajna is the place of His attainment (uplabdhi-sthana). Just as water is everywhere in the ground but is available only in a well. Similarly, the Paramatma is attained only through Yajna. By performing one's duty, one experiences the Paramatma; this is what Bhagavan is teaching Arjuna. In the coming verse, Bhagavan will warn those who do not perform their duty.