Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 31 (BG 4.31) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

In ancient times, the remnants left after offering oblations to fire during sacrifice were called amrita, which the devoted would consume as a blessing from the Divine, believing that through this reverent partaking of amrita, the inner faculties could be purified. When we contemplate the spiritual significance of this metaphor, we understand that the remaining amrita refers to the fruits obtained from the performance of the sacrifices mentioned above. The fruit of performing these sacrifices is self-mastery, or in other words, an integrated personality. Only those who have attained this fruit are fit for the practice of meditation. A person of integrated personality alone, by attaining the equanimity of mind necessary for meditation, can recognize the infinite Brahman as one's own Self. The second line of this verse, expressed in the language of negation, further clarifies the principle stated above. Without earnest effort, there can be no development of the Self. Through inaction, no one can gain benefit in any field. Since without selfless action one does not obtain lasting fruit even in this world, what can one accomplish regarding the world beyond? At this point, two doubts may arise in the mind. Do all these paths lead to the same goal, or do they lead to different goals? And the second doubt may be: are all these paths merely intellectual concepts of the Divine? The Blessed Lord, dispelling these doubts, speaks thus: