Chapter 3, Verse 13
यज्ञशिष्टाशिन: सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषै: | भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात् ॥13॥
yajña-śhiṣhṭāśhinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣhaiḥ | bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pachantyātma-kāraṇāt
"The righteous who eat the remnants of sacrifice are freed from all sins, but those sinful ones who cook food only for their own sake, they verily eat sin."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse emphasizes the spiritualization of the most basic human activity: eating. By offering food to the Divine first (Yajña), it is transformed into 'Prasād' (Grace). This act of gratitude and sacrifice acknowledges that we are not the primary enjoyers of the world's resources. Even the act of cooking involves 'pañcha-sūnā' (five unavoidable forms of violence towards microscopic life). Offering the food purifies the karma. Conversely, preparing food solely for personal sensory gratification (ātma-kāraṇāt) binds one to the cycle of ego and karma, effectively 'eating sin.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.13?
The righteous who eat the remnants of sacrifice are freed from all sins, but those sinful ones who cook food only for their own sake, they verily eat sin.