Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 10
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

Sacrifice and Prosperity · An Ancient Bargain

सहयज्ञाः प्रजाः सृष्ट्वा पुरोवाच प्रजापतिः । अनेन प्रसविष्यध्वमेष वोऽस्त्विष्टकामधुक् ।।10।।

saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ anena prasaviṣyadhvam eṣa vo 'stv iṣṭa-kāma-dhuk

Meaning

"Having created humanity along with sacrifice, the Creator said in ancient times: By this may you prosper; may it be the fulfiller of your desires."

Explanation

Krishna introduces the ancient idea of yajna, or sacrifice, as the very foundation of a thriving, cooperative society.

Today's Life Lesson

Consider today how giving of yourself, rather than only taking, can be the foundation of real prosperity.

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