In the beginning, the Creator, having created mankind together with sacrifices, said, "By this shall you prosper; let this be the milker of your desires."
Krishna recounts the ancient concept of sacrifice, where humanity and divine beings cooperate in mutual benefit. This notion emphasizes harmony between individuals and the cosmos, framing selfless action as a universal principle.
Nourish the gods with this, and may those gods nourish you. Thus, nourishing one another, you shall attain the highest good.
The idea of reciprocity continues as Krishna teaches that sacrificial acts support cosmic order. By offering gratitude through sacrifice, humans ensure mutual prosperity with divine forces, reflecting a balanced, interdependent relationship.
The gods, nourished by sacrifices, will bestow upon you the desired enjoyments. He who enjoys these without giving them in return is verily a thief.
Krishna warns that those who take benefits without offering them back are thieves. This stark analogy emphasizes the importance of selfless contribution, urging individuals to give freely, respecting the cycle of giving and receiving.
The righteous who eat the remnants of sacrifices are freed from all sins. But those sinful ones who cook food only for themselves, eat only sin.
Sacrificial remnants purify the mind and spirit, Krishna explains, while those who only feed themselves accumulate sin. He advocates selflessness over selfishness, underscoring the purifying power of serving the greater good.
From food arise all beings; from rain food is produced; from sacrifice arises rain, and sacrifice is born of action.
Krishna reveals the cycle linking food, rain, and sacrifice. This sequence highlights interdependence, showing that actions performed in line with nature sustain life, reinforcing the cyclical nature of karma and duty.
Know that action has its origin in the Vedas, and the Vedas originate from the Imperishable. Therefore, the all-pervading Veda is eternally based on sacrifice.
Krishna connects karma to divine creation, explaining that the natural order stems from the eternal. Here, he integrates cosmic law and individual duty, suggesting that universal order requires a commitment to selfless, sacrificial action.
He who does not follow here the cycle of sacrifice set in motion, lives sinfully, delighted in the senses. He lives in vain, O son of Pritha.
Failure to respect this cycle leads to a wasted life, says Krishna. He cautions against a self-centered existence, stressing that fulfillment arises from upholding one’s role within the cosmic framework, beyond mere sensory enjoyment.