Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer, whatever you give, and whatever austerities you perform, Oh son of Kunti, do them as an offering to Me.” This single verse transforms ordinary life into sadhana, said Swami Mitranandaji.Dedication improves quality of action. When we work merely for salary, recognition or ego, the mind stays restless and shortcuts appear. However, the moment an action is dedicated to the Lord, the attitude changes. A cook becomes more patient, a farmer tends each plant better; dedication brings focus, sincerity and excellence. The Gita calls this ‘yoga of action’. Work is no longer mechanical, it becomes worship. Quality rises because the doer is no longer anxious about results. This is because there is no ‘why’ left. The fruit is surrendered. Like cooking for God, the cook tastes but is not attached. Such nishkama karma (selfless action) purifies the heart. The law of karma applies to the ego, not to the surrender.The distance between jeeva and the Divine is only selfishness. We feel far from God not because He is far, but because ‘I, me, mine’ comes in between. Selfishness is the wall. My desire, my plan, my credit — this “I-ness” hides the Divine. When we drop the claim of ownership, the wall thins. The verse (opening para) attacks selfishness and asks us to offer everything.It is easy to start in a small way and develop selflessness. Krishna does not ask for renunciation overnight. Begin with one action —morning tea, daily work, a small donation — whatever it may be, offer it mentally, saying “This is for You”. Slowly, expand this mood to more activities. As selfish motives drop, selfless service grows naturally. Step by step, one’s life itself becomes an offering. The quote from Chapter IX, verse 27 of the Bhagavad Gita shows a practical path. One should dedicate oneself, one should conduct oneself with quality; one should be free from karma, get rid of selfishness and walk towards the Divine. He will take care. Published - June 20, 2026 05:15 am IST