Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.31
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम् । नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्यः कुरुसत्तम ॥३१॥
yajñaśiṣṭāmṛtabhujo yānti brahma sanātanam | nāyaṃ loko'styayajñasya kuto'nyaḥ kurusattama ||31||
Complete Shloka Translation
Those who partake of the nectar left from sacrifice attain eternal Brahman. For one without sacrifice, even this world is absent; how then the other, O best of the Kurus?
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यज्ञशिष्ट | yajñaśiṣṭa | remainder of sacrifice |
| सनातनम् | sanātanam | eternal |
| यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो | yajñaśiṣṭāmṛtabhujo | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| यान्ति | yānti | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| ब्रह्म | brahma | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| नायं | nāyaṃ | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य | loko'styayajñasya | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| कुतोऽन्यः | kuto'nyaḥ | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| कुरुसत्तम | kurusattama | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
| ३१ | kurusattama | [term] in context of Those who partake of the necta... |
remainder of sacrifice
eternal
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
[term] in context of Those who partake of the necta...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The remnant of sacrifice is called nectar and linked to eternal Brahman. The strong contrast stresses sacrifice's place in this teaching, following its many forms in 4.25–4.30.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Receiving with gratitude can remind us of what sustains our lives."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What do you receive that calls for gratitude and reciprocity?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.