Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3, verse 12 · Krishna
Bhagavad Gita 3.12 · Ishtanbhoganhi Vo Deva
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः ।
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः ॥
iṣṭānbhogānhi vo devā dāsyante yajñabhāvitāḥ |
tairdattānapradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ ||
Translation
Sustained by sacrifice, the gods will grant you the enjoyments you desire.” One who enjoys their gifts without offering anything back to them is nothing but a thief.
Context
Spoken by Krishna in chapter 3, Karma Yoga — “The Yoga of Action”, which has 43 verses.
Frequently asked questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 3.12 mean?
Sustained by sacrifice, the gods will grant you the enjoyments you desire.” One who enjoys their gifts without offering anything back to them is nothing but a thief.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.12?
Krishna, speaking to Arjuna, in chapter 3, Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action).
Sanskrit text: traditional, public domain. Translation and explanation are our own.