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HBR Patel
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Bhagavad Gita: Understanding One Shloka at a Time. (Chp. 4, Verse 31) — HBR Patel
Trying to understand Bhagavad Gita, one Shloka at a time…
Bhagavad Gita | Poster by HBRGraphic
यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम् |
नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्य: कुरुसत्तम || 31||
Those who eat the remnants of sacrifice which is like a nectar — go to the Eternal Brahman. Even this world is not for the non-performer of sacrifice; how then the other (world), O best of the Kurus?
Bhagavad Gita | Poster by HBRGraphic
Bhagwan Shri Krishna now explains the benefit hidden in the simple act of eating. Those who participate in sacrificial offerings with the right attitude and sincerity, and consume the remnants of those offerings as prasadam (sanctified food), ultimately attain the eternal reality of Brahman.
Consuming the remnants of sacrifice symbolizes partaking in the spiritual benefits of the ritual, leading to spiritual progress and realization of the eternal truth.
Bhagwan Shri Krishna in the next part of shloka addresses Arjuna as “Kuru-sattama,” meaning the best among the Kurus.
He explains that this material world, with its opportunities for enjoyment and progress, is not accessible to those who neglect their duties, particularly the performance of sacrificial rituals. If one cannot even attain success and happiness in this world through righteous actions such as sacrifice, then it becomes implausible for them to expect attainment in the next world or higher realms.
The key to sacrifice is understanding that it’s done to please Bhagwan. Then, whatever’s left over can be seen as a gift from Him. For example, people who worship Bhagwan often offer Him food. They cook the food, put it in a special place for Bhagwan, and ask Him to accept it. They imagine that Bhagwan is actually eating from the plate.
After the offering, whatever’s left on the plate is considered a gift from Bhagwan. Eating this special food helps people feel closer to Bhagwan and become better spiritually
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