Chapter 3 • Verse 12
इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः। तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः॥
iṣhṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ
Meaning
Nourished by sacrifice, the gods will give you desired enjoyments. One who enjoys their gifts without giving back is verily a thief.
Taking without giving back makes you a thief. This applies to all of life - resources, relationships, communities. Contribution is not optional; it's an ethical obligation.
Strength Reflection
"I give back for what I receive. I am not a taker but a contributor."
Devotional Surrender
Lord, save me from being a thief. Help me give back to life what life gives me.