कर्म ब्रह्मोद्भवं विद्धि ब्रह्माक्षरसमुद्भवम्। तस्मात्सर्वगतं ब्रह्म नित्यं यज्ञे प्रतिष्ठितम्
The verse explains that the all-pervading, supreme, imperishable Spirit is always established in sacrifice. This Spirit is described as eternal and present everywhere, making sacrifice a deeply spiritual act rooted in the highest reality.
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
How does the verse connect prescribed action, the Vedas, and the Indestructible?
The verse shows a chain of origin: prescribed action comes from the Vedas, and the Vedas themselves originate from the Indestructible, or the supreme imperishable Spirit. This means that every right action is ultimately connected to the divine source, and the Vedas serve as the bridge between human action and the eternal.
Why does the verse emphasize that sacrifice is rooted in prescribed action?
The verse emphasizes this to highlight that true sacrifice is not random or self-willed, but flows from duties and actions prescribed by sacred wisdom. By aligning sacrifices with prescribed actions, one stays connected to the divine order and ensures spiritual progress, rather than acting out of mere desire or personal impulse.
What does it mean that the supreme imperishable Spirit is 'all-pervading' and 'established in sacrifice'?
This means that the divine presence exists everywhere and is especially manifest when one performs sacrifice with the right intention. Sacrifice, in this context, represents selfless actions done as an offering, connecting the individual to the ever-present Spirit and reinforcing harmony with the universe.
How can understanding that prescribed action originates from the Vedas and the Indestructible guide my daily actions?
Recognizing this chain of origin reminds us that our duties are not arbitrary, but are aligned with universal law and divine will. By performing our actions with this awareness, we can act with greater purpose, humility, and devotion. Practically, this means approaching daily tasks as sacred offerings, fulfilling them sincerely, and remembering their deeper connection to the divine.
Know thou that from Brahma action groweth, and Brahma from the Imperishable cometh. Therefore the Eternal, the all-permeating, is ever present in sacrifice.
What do “thy” and “thou” mean?
“Thy” means “your”; “thou” and “thee” mean “you”; “thine” means “yours.” This historical translation is preserved as published.