Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 12
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

Gratitude in Practice · Not Taking Without Giving

इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः । तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः ।।12।।

iṣṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ

Meaning

"Pleased by sacrifice, the gods will grant you the enjoyments you desire. One who enjoys what is given without offering anything in return is truly a thief."

Explanation

Krishna warns against taking freely from life's gifts without gratitude or reciprocity.

Today's Life Lesson

Notice today what you receive freely, and find a small way to give back in return.

More verses to reflect on