Taking without giving back

iṣṭānbhogānhi vo devā dāsyante yajñabhāvitāḥtairdattānapradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ

Pleased by offering, the devas will give you what you need to enjoy. One who enjoys their gifts and gives nothing back is a thief.

What it means

Krishna continues the circle. The powers of nature give us food, water, air and every comfort. Enjoying these is fine. But enjoying them while giving nothing back, he says, is like stealing. Gratitude in action, yajna, is how we repay what we've received.

The story

The word Krishna uses is strong, stena, thief. He wants Arjuna to see that withdrawing from his duty isn't neutral. Everyone who has fed, trained and protected him has been giving. Walking away would be taking without returning.

In your life

Picture someone who's used a neighbour's tools for years and never once offered help back. Nothing illegal, but something's off. Think of one person or place that gives to you constantly. Give something back today.