Chapter 3 – Karma Yoga
Verse 15
Sanskrit Shloka
Karma brahmodbhavaṁ viddhi brahmākṣhara-samudbhavam ।
Tasmāt sarva-gataṁ brahma nityaṁ yajñe pratiṣhṭhitam ॥15॥
Simple Meaning
The Supreme Lord said:
Know that prescribed duties arise from the Vedas (Brahma), and the Vedas originate from the Imperishable Supreme Reality. Therefore, the all-pervading Brahman is eternally present in Yajña (sacrifice and selfless action).
Detailed Explanation
Krishna Explains the Divine Origin of Duty
In this verse, Lord Krishna reveals the sacred origin of human duties and righteous actions. He explains that Karma is not merely a human invention or social obligation. Rather, it is rooted in divine wisdom and cosmic order.
By understanding the divine source of action, one learns to perform duties with greater reverence, responsibility, and spiritual awareness.
Karma Arises from the Vedas
Krishna states that Karma originates from Brahma, which in this context refers to the Vedas.
The Vedas provide guidance regarding righteous conduct, duties, moral principles, and spiritual practices. They establish the framework through which human beings can live in harmony with the divine order.
Thus, prescribed actions are not arbitrary but are founded upon sacred knowledge.
The Vedas Originate from the Imperishable Reality
The Lord further explains that the Vedas themselves arise from the Akṣhara Brahman, the Imperishable Supreme Reality.
This eternal source is beyond time, change, and destruction. Because the Vedas originate from this divine reality, their wisdom possesses spiritual authority and universal significance.
The connection between Brahman, the Vedas, and Karma reveals the sacred structure of existence.
Brahman Is Established in Yajña
Krishna declares that the all-pervading Brahman is eternally established in Yajña.
Yajña here represents much more than ritual sacrifice. It symbolizes selfless service, duty, devotion, and actions performed for the welfare of others and in accordance with divine principles.
Whenever actions are performed with sincerity, dedication, and selflessness, they become expressions of Yajña and reflect the presence of Brahman.
The Relationship Between Karma and Yajña
This verse emphasizes that righteous action and sacrifice are inseparable.
When duties are performed according to divine wisdom and without selfish motives, they naturally become Yajña. Such actions purify the mind, support social harmony, and strengthen spiritual growth.
Therefore, Karma Yoga is not merely a philosophy of action but a path that connects everyday duties with the Divine.
The Importance of Karma Yoga
Krishna teaches that every duty can become a sacred offering when performed with the proper attitude.
Instead of acting out of ego or personal gain, individuals should perform their responsibilities as a service to God and the world. This transforms ordinary work into spiritual practice.
Karma Yoga thus becomes a means of realizing the divine presence within all actions.
Key Points
- Karma originates from the wisdom of the Vedas.
- The Vedas arise from the Imperishable Supreme Reality.
- Human duties are rooted in divine order.
- Yajña represents selfless action and sacred service.
- Brahman is eternally present in Yajña.
- Karma Yoga connects daily duties with spiritual growth.
- Selfless action becomes a path to divine realization.
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse reveals that the universe is governed by a sacred and intelligent order.
Every righteous action is connected to divine wisdom, and divine wisdom originates from the eternal Brahman. Therefore, when individuals perform their duties selflessly, they participate in the cosmic purpose established by God.
Lord Krishna teaches that spirituality is not separate from daily life. Through selfless action, devotion, and adherence to dharma, a person can experience the presence of Brahman in every aspect of existence.
The verse encourages individuals to view work not merely as an obligation but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and divine connection.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Karma – Prescribed action, duty
Brahmodbhavam – Arising from Brahma (the Vedas)
Viddhi – Know, understand
Brahma – The Vedas, sacred knowledge
Akṣhara–samudbhavam – Originating from the Imperishable Supreme Reality
Tasmāt – Therefore
Sarva-gatam – All-pervading
Brahma – The Supreme Reality
Nityam – Eternally
Yajñe – In sacrifice, selfless action
Pratiṣhṭhitam – Established, situated
Message of the Verse
Lord Krishna teaches that righteous action originates from divine wisdom, and divine wisdom originates from the eternal Supreme Reality. Therefore, selfless action performed according to dharma is not merely a worldly activity but a sacred expression of the Divine. By performing duties in the spirit of Yajña and Karma Yoga, a person aligns with the cosmic order, purifies the mind, and progresses toward spiritual realization.
