Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 28

Chapter 4 – Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga · Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit verse

द्रव्ययज्ञास्तपोयज्ञा योगयज्ञास्तथापरे ।
स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाश्च यतयः संशितव्रताः ॥

Transliteration

dravyayajñāstapoyajñā yogayajñāstathāpare .
svādhyāyajñānayajñāśca yatayaḥ saṃśitavratāḥ ॥

Meaning

Some offer wealth as sacrifice, some austerity, and some yoga; while ascetics of firm vows offer the study of scripture and knowledge as sacrifice.

Word meanings

द्रव्ययज्ञाः – those whose sacrifice is the giving of wealth and material things
तपोयज्ञाः – those whose sacrifice is austerity
योगयज्ञाः – those whose sacrifice is the practice of yoga
तथा – likewise
अपरे – others
स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाः – those whose sacrifice is scriptural study and the knowledge of its meaning
च – and
यतयः – striving ascetics, disciplined seekers
संशितव्रताः – of sharp, firm vows

Anvaya (word order)

अपरे द्रव्ययज्ञाः तपोयज्ञाः योगयज्ञाः (सन्ति); तथा संशितव्रताः यतयः स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाः च (सन्ति) ।

Explanation

In this single verse Krishna names five sacrifices that together cover different spheres of life — wealth, body, mind, speech and intellect. It shows that the spirit of sacrifice is not confined to one ritual but is a vision that can sanctify the whole of life.

‘Dravya-yajnah’ — those who give wealth, food and clothing to the deserving, or fund works for the common good such as wells, rest-houses and schools, make their lives a sacrifice of wealth. ‘Tapo-yajnah’ — those who undertake austerities such as vows, fasting and strict discipline as an offering. ‘Yoga-yajnah’ — according to Shankara, those who make the practice of yoga, such as breath control and withdrawal of the senses, their sacrifice. Ramanuja also takes ‘yoga’ here to include pilgrimage to holy places and sacred sites.

‘Svadhyaya-jnana-yajnah’ — Shankara explains this as two sacrifices: the sacrifice of svadhyaya, the regular recitation and study of the Vedas and scriptures according to rule; and the sacrifice of jnana, understanding their meaning. Merely repeating the words is not enough; their meaning must also be taken to heart.

These seekers are called ‘yatayah samshita-vratah’ — striving ascetics of sharpened vows. ‘Samshita’ means whetted, made sharp. Just as only a sharpened blade is useful, only a vow kept with firm resolve bears fruit. Whatever the discipline, the secret of its success lies in steadiness and perseverance.

Context

In 4.27 Krishna described the meditator's sacrifice of offering the functions of the senses and vital breath into the fire of self-control. Here He mentions five sacrifices: wealth, austerity, yoga, scriptural study and knowledge. In the next verse (4.29) He describes the sacrifice of breath control in detail.

Life lesson

Everyone has something to offer — some have wealth, some physical labour, some time and learning. Devote what you have to a higher purpose with steadiness and regularity; that is your sacrifice.

Key terms

Dravya-yajna: the sacrifice of giving wealth and material goods for the good of others
Tapo-yajna: the sacrifice of austerity — vows, fasting, discipline
Svadhyaya: regular study and recitation of scripture
Samshita-vrata: a seeker of firm, sharpened vows