Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3 Verse 13 Meaning

The righteous who eat the remnants of the sacrifice are freed from all sins; but those sinful ones who cook food solely for their own sake indeed consume sin.

BG 3.13

यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः। भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्

yajña-śhiṣhṭāśhinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣhaiḥ bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pachantyātma-kāraṇāt

Meaning

The righteous who eat the remnants of the sacrifice are freed from all sins; but those sinful ones who cook food solely for their own sake indeed consume sin.

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What Does Bhagavad Gita 3.13 Mean?

The Gita addresses sacrifice with characteristic directness here. The righteous who eat the remnants of the sacrifice are freed from all sins; but those sinful ones who cook food solely for their own sake indeed consume sin. Within the broader arc of Chapter 3, this verse builds on Krishna's systematic exposition of selfless action. The verse operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it addresses Arjuna's immediate situation.

At a deeper level, it articulates a universal principle about selfless action that applies to every person navigating the complexities of moral and spiritual life. What makes this teaching enduringly relevant is its refusal to separate the spiritual from the ordinary. The very situations that challenge us become the ground of practice when approached with the understanding this verse provides.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 3.13?

The path of selfless action, performing one's duty without attachment to results.

Key themes in this chapter include Action, Duty, Selflessness, Work.

How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 3.13 in Daily Life?

  • When you need steadiness while dealing with action
  • When practicing duty amid uncertainty
  • When applying selflessness to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 3.13?
The Gita addresses sacrifice with characteristic directness here. The righteous who eat the remnants of the sacrifice are freed from all sins; but those sinful ones who cook food solely for their own sake indeed consume sin. Within the broader arc of Chapter 3, this verse builds on Krishna's...
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.13 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on duty and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

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