Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 39
Chapter 19
धर्म इष्टं धनं नॄणां यज्ञो 'हं भगवत्तमः ।
दक्षिणा ज्ञान-सन्देशः प्राणायामः परं बलम् ॥
dharma iṣṭaṃ dhanaṃ nṝṇāṃ yajño 'haṃ bhagavattamaḥ / dakṣiṇā jñāna-sandeśaḥ prāṇāyāmaḥ paraṃ balam //
మనుష్యులకు ధర్మమే ఇష్టమైన ధనం. నేను, భగవత్తముడు, స్వయంగా యజ్ఞం. దక్షిణా అంటే జ్ఞాన సందేశాన్ని పంచడం; ప్రాణాయామం—ప్రాణవాయుపై నియంత్రణ—పరమ బలం.
In this verse Lord Kṛṣṇa defines the inner essence of several celebrated Vedic ideals by locating their ultimate meaning in devotion and spiritual realization. First, He calls dharma the “desired wealth” of human life—because dharma is not merely social virtue but the sustaining principle that elevates consciousness toward the Absolute. Next, He states, “I am yajña,” teaching that sacrifice is not an impersonal ritual but an offering meant for the Supreme Person; when the Lord is forgotten, ritual becomes empty formality. He then redefines dakṣiṇā (the gift offered at the end of sacrifice): the best offering is not money alone but the transmission of liberating knowledge—guidance that awakens bhakti and detachment. Finally, He praises prāṇāyāma as “supreme strength,” indicating that real power is self-mastery, not domination of others. Breath discipline steadies the mind, supports meditation, and helps one restrain the senses—making the heart fit for devotion. Altogether, the verse teaches that dharma, yajña, charity, and yoga reach perfection when they culminate in remembrance of Bhagavān and the upliftment of consciousness.
FAQs
This verse states that dharma—righteous living that elevates consciousness—is the most cherished wealth for human beings.
Because sacrifice is meant to be offered to Bhagavān; when the Lord is the center, yajña becomes spiritually effective rather than mere ritual.
Live by dharma, make your work an offering to God, give charity through sharing spiritual wisdom, and cultivate self-mastery (including breath and mind discipline) to support devotion.