देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु वः। परस्परं भावयन्तः श्रेयः परमवाप्स्यथ।।3.11।।
devān bhāvayatena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ | parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ param avāpsyatha ||3.11||
Translation
By this sacrifice the demigods will be pleased, and by mutually pleasing each other you will attain the supreme benefit.
Word Meanings
devān — demigods; bhāvayatā — having pleased; anena — by this sacrifice; te — those; devāḥ — demigods; bhāvayantu — will please; vaḥ — you; parasparam — mutually; bhāvayantaḥ — pleasing one another; śreyaḥ — benediction; param — the supreme; avāpsyatha — you will achieve.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse Krishna elaborates on the reciprocal relationship between human beings and the celestial beings, emphasizing that the gifts and sacrifices performed by people become a source of satisfaction for the gods. The opening phrase "devān bhāvayatena" (by this sacrifice the demigods are pleased) underscores that the act of offering, whether material or spiritual, is not a one‑way transaction. The gods derive nourishment and joy from the devotion of mortals, which in turn sustains the cosmic order. This mutual dependence reflects the ancient Vedic conception of yajña as a bridge linking the material world with the divine realm.
The second clause, "parasparaṁ bhāvayantaḥ śreyaḥ param avāpsyatha," extends this concept further by describing a cooperative dynamic. "Paraspara" means "mutually," and "bhāvayantaḥ" signifies the act of pleasing or being pleased. When humans and deities engage in a cycle of giving and receiving, a higher benefit or "śreyaḥ param" (the supreme benediction) is attained. This benefit is not merely material prosperity but the spiritual upliftment that arises from aligning one’s actions with dharma and the divine will. It suggests that the ultimate reward of righteous conduct is a state of harmony that transcends ordinary worldly gains.
Krishna’s teaching here also serves as a corrective to the ego‑centric view that sacrifices are performed solely for personal gain. By reminding Arjuna that the gods themselves are delighted by selfless offerings, He invites a broader perspective: the well‑being of the entire cosmos is interconnected with personal conduct. When individuals act with generosity and devotion, they contribute to the welfare of the divine order, which in turn provides support for human endeavors. This symbiosis is the essence of "yajña" – a selfless act that nurtures both the giver and the receiver.
Furthermore, the verse subtly addresses the practical implications for society. In the context of the Mahabharata’s battlefield, where choices between duty and desire are stark, Krishna advises that performing one's prescribed duties (karmas) as offerings to the divine establishes a moral economy. This economy balances personal ambition with communal responsibility, ensuring that the benefits derived from work are shared with the larger cosmic family. The result is "parma śreyaḥ" – the ultimate welfare that uplifts individuals, families, societies, and the divine cosmos alike.
In summary, Chapter 3, Verse 11 teaches that sacrifices performed with sincere devotion please the gods, and this mutual pleasure creates a virtuous cycle that leads to the highest spiritual benefit. It encourages practitioners to view their actions as part of a larger, interdependent system, fostering humility, generosity, and a profound sense of unity with the divine.
