Kṛṣṇa explains the spiritual ethics of eating. He says that those who eat food that has first been offered in sacrifice are released from all kinds of sins. But those who cook only for their own pleasure are effectively eating sin. Every act of survival involves some level of violence—even plants are living beings. If we take from life solely for our own ego, we incur the karma of that taking. But if we offer the results of our labor back to the Divine, the act is sanctified and becomes ‘Prasādam’, or mercy. This principle applies to all areas of life, not just food. If Arjuna fights for his own kingdom, he is a sinner. If he fights for Kṛṣṇa’s purpose, he is a saint. The difference lies in the destination of the results. Offering the fruit of one’s work is the ultimate cleanser of the heart.