यज्ञशिष्टाशिनः सन्तो मुच्यन्ते सर्वकिल्बिषैः। भुञ्जते ते त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्यात्मकारणात्
Those who eat the remnants of sacrifices are freed from all sins. They participate in a sacred act, accepting what is offered as a blessing and thus become purified from past wrongdoings.
A workplace or household depends on many kinds of effort. Consider how your contribution affects others, instead of treating every task as a contest for personal recognition.
Go deeper into this verse
In Chapter 3, Verse 13, who does Krishna describe as eating sin, and why?
Krishna describes those who cook food solely for their own enjoyment and bodily nourishment as eating sin. This is because their actions are motivated by selfish desires, lacking the spirit of offering or sacrifice.
What is meant by 'eating the remnants of sacrifices' in this verse?
Eating the remnants of sacrifices refers to consuming food that has first been offered selflessly, with gratitude and devotion, often as part of a ritual or act of service. This practice purifies both the food and the person, strengthening the bond with the divine and the community.
Why does the verse say that cooking only for oneself leads to consuming sin?
The verse teaches that actions done purely for personal gratification, without a sense of offering or sharing, bind one to negative consequences. When food is prepared with selfish intent, it lacks the purifying quality of sacrifice, leading to spiritual impurity and reinforcing ego-based living.
How can the idea of selfless offering, as described in this verse, be applied in daily life?
Selfless offering means approaching daily actions, such as cooking or eating, with an attitude of gratitude, sharing, and service to others or to a higher purpose. Practically, this can be done by dedicating meals to the well-being of all, sharing food with those in need, or simply expressing thanks before eating. This transforms ordinary acts into spiritual practice, freeing one from selfishness and its burdens.
The righteous, who eat the remains of the sacrifice, are freed from all sins; but the impious, who dress food for their own sakes, they verily eat sin.