Chapter 3, Verse 11
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु व: |
परस्परं भावयन्त: श्रेय: परमवाप्स्यथ ॥ 11 ॥
devān bhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ |
parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ param avāpsyatha ||
"Nourish the celestial gods with this sacrifice, and may those gods nourish you in return. By nourishing one another in this way, you shall attain the supreme Good."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.11 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.11 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse establishes the 'Law of Reciprocity' in the cosmic order. The Devas (celestial beings) represent the various administrative forces of nature (fire, wind, water, etc.) governed by the Supreme. When humans perform 'Yajna' (selfless sacrifice or duty), they contribute to the cosmic balance. In return, the forces of nature provide the resources necessary for human sustenance. This symbiosis—'Parasparam Bhavayantah'—is the key to both material prosperity and spiritual liberation (Shreyas). Just as watering the root of a tree nourishes the branches, selfless action offered to the Divine automatically satisfies the universal administrators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.11?
Nourish the celestial gods with this sacrifice, and may those gods nourish you in return. By nourishing one another in this way, you shall attain the supreme Good.