Shloka 3.12: “Pleased by sacrifice, the gods grant desired enjoyments; one who enjoys these without offering is a thief.”
Key Teaching: Enjoying divine gifts without sacrifice makes one a thief.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that gods, pleased by sacrifice, grant desired enjoyments, but one who enjoys these without offering is a thief. This verse, building on 3.10–11, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies cosmic duty, and Karma Yoga, as he emphasizes sacrificial reciprocity, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s refusal (1.28–46) risks disrupting cosmic duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s selfish gains (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to fight as a sacrificial act to uphold dharma, avoiding the sin of taking without giving, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human tendency to take without giving, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on sacrifice. Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to act reciprocally. The theme of Karma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on ethical action.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its moral clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s reciprocity, where sacrifice ensures ethical living. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty as sacrifice, aligning with cosmic and spiritual integrity.
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