Yat Karoshi Yad Ashnasi (Bhagavad Gita 9.27) — Word-by-Word Meaning
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यत्
yat
whatever
करोषि
karoṣhi
you do
यत्
yat
whatever
अश्नासि
aśhnāsi
you eat
यत्
yat
whatever
जुहोषि
juhoṣhi
you offer to the sacred fire
ददासि
dadāsi
you bestow as a gift
यत्
yat
whatever
तपस्यसि
tapasyasi
austerities you perform
कौन्तेय
kaunteya
O Arjuna, son of Kunti
तत्
tat
that, them
कुरुष्व
kuruṣhva
do, make
मदर्पणम्
mad-arpaṇam
as an offering to Me
Complete Translation
Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give, whatever austerity you practice, O Arjuna, do it as an offering to Me.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9, Verse 27
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
In the ninth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, the Raja Vidya Raja Guhya Yoga — the king of knowledge and the king of secrets — Lord Krishna reveals the path of loving devotion. Having said he accepts even a leaf or water offered with love, he here teaches Arjuna the complete practice of surrender: to offer every action, meal, sacrifice, gift and austerity to him, so that all of life becomes worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yat Karoshi Yad Ashnasi?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 9.27, it means: 'Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give, whatever austerity you practise, O Arjuna, do it as an offering to Me.' Krishna teaches the dedication of one's whole life to God.
How do I practise this verse in daily life?▼
Offer each action of the day to God — your work, your meals, your charity, your spiritual practices — doing them in a spirit of dedication rather than for personal gain. This turns everyday life into continuous worship and is the essence of karma yoga.
What is the benefit of offering everything to God?▼
In the next verse (9.28), Krishna says that by this attitude one is freed from the bonds of karma, both good and bad results, and, liberated, attains him. Offering all actions to God purifies the heart and removes the bondage of selfish action.
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