Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Verse 24

[bilva]

Chapter 9. The Most Confidential Knowledge

TEXT 24
aham hi sarva-yajnanam
bhokta ca prabhur eva ca
na tu mam abhijananti
tattvenatas cyavanti te

SYNONYMS
aham--I; hi--surely; sarva--of all; yajnanam--sacrifices; bhokta--
enjoyer; ca--and; prabhuh--Lord; eva--also; ca--and; na--not; tu--but;
mam--Me; abhijananti--know; tattvena--in reality; atah--therefore;
cyavanti--fall down; te--they.

TRANSLATION
I am the only enjoyer and the only object of sacrifice. Those who do
not recognize My true transcendental nature fall down.

EXPLANATION
Here it is clearly stated that there are many types of yajna
performances recommended in the Vedic literatures, but actually all of
them are meant for satisfying the Supreme Lord. Yajna means Visnu. In
the Second Chapter of Bhagavad-gita it is clearly stated that one
should only work for satisfying Yajna or Visnu. The perfectional form
of human civilization, known as varnasrama-dharma, is specifically
meant for satisfying Visnu. Therefore, Krsna says in this verse, "I am
the enjoyer of all sacrifices because I am the supreme master."
However, less intelligent persons, without knowing this fact, worship
demigods for temporary benefit. Therefore they fall down to material
existence and do not achieve the desired goal of life. If, however,
anyone has any material desire to be fulfilled, he had better pray for
it to the Supreme Lord (although that is not pure devotion), and he
will thus achieve the desired result.

Following is a quotation by Swami Gaurangapada:
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, but the
life of the candle will not be shortened. Similarly thousands of
creations and forms can come from the Lord, but the Lord remains full,
perfect and complete."

Please chant Nityananda, Gauranga and Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, to
realize the enjoyer and object of all sacrifices.