THE FIVE YAGNAS

THE FIVE YAGNAS

In his divine discourse the Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna points out to the doubting Arjuna that it is impossible to exist without doing Karma or action. At least for the sake of maintaining the body one should perform karma. Duties should be discharged for God’s sake and not for one’s own self. Selfish karma binds man to the world. When duty is done for God it translates into yagna or sacrifice done for Lord Vishnu. It is God who is responsible for our actions. Sacrifices performed by people are the connecting link between mortals and devas. Everything in the world is God’s property. When we forget this fact and enjoy everything without his permission we are really thieves. Therefore  food not offered to God is considered as sinful morsels of food! Why should man perform yagna or sacrifice? What is its significance? What exactly are those that man should perform?

Family life is practically impossible without five indispensable items. They are 1 knife, 2 grinder, 3 stove, 4 pot or vessel to cook and 5 the broomstick. When using these articles many germs die and unknowingly man commits sin. To ward off this evil of sin and allow man to liberate himself five kinds of sacrifice are recommended.These are called “Panchamaha yagnas”. The first and foremost is “Brahma yagna” where one reads the Vedas and does scriptural study. He has to contemplate on what they say and try to follow their mandates. Krishna describes the second yagna as “ Daiva yagna.” Or Divine worship. The Sun, the Moon, the stars, oceans, rivers, magnificent mountains and Nature are the manifestation of God. The gardener or the owner of the garden does not make the mango sweet. It is God who does it! Do not forget the existence of God in all these objects. Offer all God given things  to God before you enjoy them. This offering is called “Daiva yagna.”

The third important yagna is “ Pitru yagna” or worship of the parents and forefathers. “ Pitru devo bhava” declare the Vedas. They should be considered as Gods and given due regard and respect and love.It may some times be possible to clear the indebtedness of the father but it is impossible to wipe off the debt of the mother who is the first God! For the satisfaction of the  ‘pitrus’ (dead) proper ‘sraddhas’ or annual ceremonies should be performed. Unfortunately, in these days people have no belief in the rituals to be performed for them. When the Pitrus are dissatisfied their families suffer and have to undergo difficulties. Some of the hurdles and sufferings of families are because of the curse of the ‘Pitrus’ for whom proper funeral and other rites are not performed

The fourth sacrifice is “Narayagna” or “Manushya yagna” which signifies service to humanity. Service to man is service to God as the human body is the living temple of God! Extending love to all people irrespective of color, creed, community, caste and religion is the greatest service one can do to society.It is in serving the needy, the poor and the downtrodden that man finds fulfilment of his existence.In fact service to humanity ennobles man and raises him to Godhead! Service to man elevates man to a higher spiritual plane through which he can realise the  Supreme Reality. Man loses his ego by serving humanity and thus can realize his own self

which is the real purpose for which God has created him.

The fifth yagna or sacrifice is “Bhuta yagna” or service to the dumb creatures which are no less important. Arranging drinking water tubs, sheds for cattle, giving food to dogs and other animals, putting rangoli with rice flour, being kind to the dumb creatures, are the essence of this “Bhuta Yagna”. We are indebted to all the dumb creatures in one way or other and should repay our debt to them. They should never be ignored lest we would be committing a great sin. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that the essence of Karma Yoga consists in living for God, living for humanity and living for the world at large. It is also the means to root out our selfishness.