यज्ञशिष्टामृतभुजो यान्ति ब्रह्म सनातनम् |
नायं लोकोऽस्त्ययज्ञस्य कुतोऽन्य: कुरुसत्तम || 31||
yajña-śhiṣhṭāmṛita-bhujo yānti brahma sanātanam
nāyaṁ loko ’styayajñasya kuto ’nyaḥ kuru-sattama
yajña-śhiṣhṭa amṛita-bhujaḥ—they partake of the nectarean remnants of sacrifice; yānti—go; brahma—the Absolute Truth; sanātanam—eternal; na—never; ayam—this; lokaḥ—planet; asti—is; ayajñasya—for one who performs no sacrifice; kutaḥ—how; anyaḥ—other (world); kuru-sat-tama—best of the Kurus, Arjun
Translation:
Those who eat the remnants of sacrifice which is nectar, go to eternal Brahman; to the non- sacrificer, even this world is not, how then can he get a higher world?
Commentary:
Thus far having explained various yajnas, the Lord now states their great merit. The remnants of food offered as sacrifice are equal to nectar, and by tasting it one reaches eternal Brahman. So the seeker should perform some form of yajna, some devotional act, some righteous deed, some oblation to the Divine, and then only should he take his food. Such food confers immortality. It has already been said that yajna destroys all sin and evil. Now the highest reward is offered to the sacrificer- the attainment of Brahman. The purified mind merges in Atma, and Atma alone shines in its original untainted light. This is the Atmic state, the realisation of Brahman. How wonderful is the fruit of sacrifice!
The greatness of the result is proof of the excellence of the cause. Yajna is the cause and the result is the direct realisation of Brahman. In this world, man endures all troubles for the purpose of acquiring a bit of wealth or pleasure or fame. After all, they are brief and short-lived. But the knowledge of Self is an eternal blessing for man. Should we not aspire for it? If the same energy one expends for possessing this or that worldly object, is directed towards the spiritual goal, man can achieve the highest even in this life. The Lord has offered ample choice in selecting the yajna most available to each individual. Various paths are open for this spiritual quest. Let people be alert and watchful, and they shall attain the goal.
The non- sacrificer loses both worlds. What enjoyment or happiness or joy can he have even in this world? Indisciplined men who have neither will nor knowledge cannot hope to make anything even in this earthly life. It is all misery, doubt and despair for them, and such men proceed from sorrow to sorrow. It should be understood that success in attaining purity is also the fruit of sacrifice (i.e.,) the result of self-discipline and proper action. If one cannot do this, how can one hope to enter a higher world? The Lord calls on mankind – “O ye mortal beings! Having attained this human birth, if you do nothing for your spiritual uplift, you cannot get anything even in this life, much less in the next world.”
Those who eat the remnant of sacrifice: Food is not a necessary ingredient in such yajnas like sense-restraint, self-control, pranayama, etc. So in these cases, the word food may be understood as the nectar of peace and joy arising from spiritual practices.
Question: What is the nature of Brahman?
Answer: Eternal and imperishable.
Question: Who attains Brahman?
Answer: Those who take the remnant of sacrifice.
Question: What is the fate of the non-sacrificer?
Answer: He loses both this world and the next.
Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 4 🔻 (42 Verses)
