THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF YAJNAS ALONG WITH ITS WISDOM ASPECT-2

THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF YAJNAS ALONG WITH ITS WISDOM ASPECT

in Hindi

By LATE YUGA RISHI SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BY

MS. HEENA A. KAPADIA

CHAPTER 6

THE SPIRITUAL SCIENCE OF GAYATRI AND YAJNA

Soul purification is the supreme goal man should aspire for. On this basis personality

development takes place wherein ones qualities, actions and inner nature become brilliant, full of

integrity and skillful. It is the mental state that gives birth to external circumstances. To a minor

extent obstacles or lack of them do influence external situations and yet its fount or root lies within

i.e. in our psyche. Man is the author of his fate and on his/her own volition walks on the path of

downfall or progress. Thus opportunities of downfall or advancement appear in man’s life. Hence

prosperity or stress/hardships too have their basis in it.

Amongst modes of self/soul purification meditation has its own prime spot. It straightaway directly

influences our inner sentimental/sensitive arenas. As per ones leanings it influences the direction

of ones sentiments, thoughts and imaginations. This results as actions in the world. This is hence

the focal point of downfall or progress as may be the case. It can be influenced via spiritual

practices and meditation. Positive or negative spiritual practices either makes us advanced or

demeans us in life in an all round manner.

Amongst theistic communities there exists their kind of devotional and other methods.

Traditionalists imbibe them when in contact with that particular type of atmosphere and yet deep

thinkers face a problem wherein they wonder which one of the many methods are best suited for

them. In order to overcome this dilemma they are required to utilize logic, proof and sound

arguments and then decide for or against those precepts. Thus their question as to which one to

adhere to, will be answered.

On its own the chief basis of devotion is faith. Faith helps conjoin special qualities and glories to

ones soul arena. Faithless worship, rites, prayer etc is merely a superficial play. Out of superficial

curiosity many people start spiritual endeavors but unfortunately they do not give any concrete

results and in fact make them more atheistic in nature. Over here no error should be searched for

in the mode of spiritual practices and instead find out whether faith exists or not? A devotee of

true faith akin to Ramkrishna Paramhansa, saint Meerabai, Eklavya etc actually feel their icon’s

image as oozing with Divine Energy and experiences it to be ‘alive and kicking’. As against this a

man devoid of faith will actually mock images of God and his beloved saints. For sculptors who

make idols the latter are meant just for selling purposes but for a devotee of faith I is a means to

augment divine sentiments in the soul. Hence over here it is the power of faith and trust that is at

work predominantly. In its absence idol worship is merely a superficial action. Despite this since

man is a rational being he must deeply search for special qualities in various worship methods

and must choose that which influences his psyche more intensely in a positive manner. Know for

sure there is nothing amazing about this.

Super Mantra Gayatri exudes wondrous characteristics. Its alphabets are interwoven in such a

manner that those who chant it (Japa) find their inner potential center manifesting Divine

Light/Wisdom. This principle can be truly understood by making it undergo tests and trials. If on

an experimental basis any person performs Gayatri Meditation he/she will truly realize that not

even an iota of their time and labor have gone waste. In fact their experience will tell them that

their inner brilliance manifests and that their sacred emotions are blooming forth fragrantly. The

intellect now veers strongly towards ethics and integrity. Ones activities give a strong fragrance of

idealism and sacredness. Further actions become more skillfully radiant. This fact can be

witnessed via self introspection and scientific analysis. Those who harbor no faith in the Science

of Spiritual Practices too can take aid of such analysis by devoting some time to it. A lot of time

and labor is taken up in scientific research studies and laboratory experiments. If anyone so

wishes he/she can take recourse to such studies of spirituality too. A massive majority have

experienced positive feedback in this realm.

Hence what can one say if spiritual practices are conjoined to deep faith? It is like fragrance

added to the already very precious ore of gold. The tree of spiritual practices grows gigantically if

watered with the water of true faith and starts giving luscious fruits. Of course people of blind

faith/belief who conduct such experimentation mentioned above will not fail totally. This is

because their faith, spirituality and religiosity will move ahead albeit at a slower pace. From the

standpoint of sound vibration based spiritual practices Gayatri’s Vaachak (chanting loudly),

Upaanshu (whispering) and Maansika (mental) Japa too have their importance. Because of them

the nervous and psychic system gets influenced in such a manner that unwanted elements are

warded off and apt ones augment in a big way.

From the meaning standpoint Gayatri means worship of a divine intellect that gives us wisdom

both materially and spiritually. If man realizes that it is important to augment this principle

naturally he/she will yearn to transform his/her thought process sacredly and induce the intellect

to be just and discerning. We should not allow our desires and yearnings to run helter-skelter and

instead focus them on following ideals in our day to day living. If our intellect is conjoined to ethics

and farsightedness we will become more cultured and refined deeply. Such individuals become

great and execute great acts in the world for all to see. Gayatri Mantra directs us to walk in this

extremely beneficial direction. If anybody does this his/her material and spiritual prosperity is a

foregone conclusion.

Gayatri Mantra lays emphasis on ‘thy’ and never ‘I’. The word ‘Naha’ in this Mantra means ‘all of

us’. Whatever is thought of, desired or acted upon should be not for selfish gains but bang

opposite to it i.e. cosmic well being. Thus the basis of cosmic welfare and peace/brotherhood is

laid down firmly. This truly is worship and reverence for world humanity and cosmic

consciousness called God by the layman. Over here it is important to renounce personal selfish

benefits and gains.

When one deeply reflects upon the meaning of the 24 alphabets of Gayatri elucidated by great

seers it becomes crystal clear that the principles of true religiosity and social management have

been detailed akin to the ocean being captured in a pot. It can be called the most important gist of

the precepts put forth by all world religions without exception. On this basis Super Mantra Gayatri

can be called a tiny but full of deep import scripture which describes human righteous duties in its

truest sense. It can also be called a high leveled state of human faith in divinity.

India has many religious sects but none of them ignore or overlook Gayatri. In some cases it may

be that Gayatri is not utilized but it is never ignored whole and sole. Under such circumstances

keeping in mind Gayatri devotion’s descriptions and inspirations if we call it a universal mode of

spiritual practice know for sure it is not an overstatement.

Within the realm of Gayatri super Science Almighty God has taken a female’s form. It is called

Vedmaataa, Vishwamaataa and Devmaataa too. Their idols are given a woman’s form. From this

it is proved that Indian Culture gives a lot of importance to womanhood and bestows greatness on

it. Women are revered, their glory is accepted by one and all and that it is the fair gender that will

take the world to great peaks of glory in the 21st century. If this fact the world over is given a

social application and great efforts are made for uplifting of women know for sure that Divine Era

will manifest on this very Earth of ours. Satyuga or the Golden era will be ours for keeps.

The other leg of Gayatri is Yajna. Both together are called our mother and father respectively. The

word Yajna connotes good merits, spiritual progress and performing feats for world welfare. The

icon of this goal can be Agnihotra too and yet it is not limited to this end. Its meaning includes

those elements too which sanctify and develop our personality. Very briefly Yajna means a

meritorious deed.

Gayatri is said to be a symbol of sacred wisdom and Yajna that of sacred deeds. In practice

Gayatri can be chanted (Japa) and Yajna can be performed via Agnihotra. And yet these 2 energy

manifesting inspirations cannot be limited to this only. Those who cannot perform these rituals

cannot be called opponents of Gayatri and Yajna. Further it can so happen that those who

regularly do Japa and Agnihotra do so mechanically and thus are left high and dry as far as

attaining divine grace and inspiration is concerned. We must always remember that along with

our pious actions our sacred sentiments too should be inseparably conjoined. Actions can be

called pious only if the thinking and emotions behind them too are of that high stature. Actions

without wholesome sentiments are mere mechanical robot like physical actions. As a result the

bodily parts move and certain materials change places. Hence true all round benefits do not

accrue in such erroneous cases. So it is clear that the Spiritual Philosophy of Gayatri and Yajna

must be reflected upon deeply and then be imbibed in ones thinking and external day to day

activities.

Scriptural seers have spoken a great deal regarding Gayatri’s deep import and divine value.

Many proclamations of theirs give due respect to Yajna’s philosophy and its sacred science. If the

truth behind this precept is to be known not only its ritual but spiritual philosophy too is required to

be deeply imbibed within and without. Not only should it be understood but that by translating it

into ones daily living the results should be for all to see. In ancient times such experimentation

and applications took place for a great time span. One benefited from others experiences and

such mutual inspiration created such an atmosphere which was called Satyuga or Golden Era of

those times. In this manner even today we can manifest divinity in world beings and herald the

Advent of Heaven on Earth in the 21st century. The chariot of Indian Culture, marched ahead on

2 wheels. Hence if we say that they represented Gayatri and Yajna, know for sure it is certainly

not an overstatement. Thus today too like ancient times those very benefits can accrue if only

those applications are first imbibed individually so as to spread in the entire world without

exception. The foundations of all round advancement are represented by sacred wisdom and

meritorious deeds leading to world well being.

CHAPTER 7

THE SUPER ENERGY FOUNTS OF WISDOM AND SCIENCE: GAYATRI AND YAJNAS

The preliminary task in order to awaken India’s (and later the world’s) latent soul is to re-establish

wisdom and science. An individual or the country or the world can progress wholesomely only if

wisdom and science are imbibed fully. When either of the two decline ones downfall is imminent.

Wisdom means knowledge, intellect, discernment, rationality, good will, generosity and love for

justice. Vijnana or subtle science means strength, capability, power of means, prosperity, quick

success and balance both in the material and spiritual sense. Only then can tru advancement be

achieved. In ancient times our motherland India was prosperous in both ways. Right from laymen

to Kings and Rishis wisdom and science were abundant in all directions. Even royal princes were

known to stay at Rishis’ hermitages/Ashramas to attain wisdom and the mysteries of both gross

and subtle sciences. In ancient Indian history and mythology one finds mind boggling descriptions

of divine weapons, divine vehicles and divine wealth/potentials. Rishis immersed themselves in

spiritual pursuits for soul progress and yet they were masters of the Ashta Sidhi and Nava Nidhi

(Divine Powers). In ancient times India in order to become wise worshipped divine wisdom and

also worshipped material/spiritual sciences so as to become prosperous and wealthy. On the one

hand Yogis o yore merged into God via devotional practices and on the other hand performed

intense austerities so as to attain divine powers and potentials. It is beyond doubt that sacred

sentiments help attain Almighty God and spiritual practices give us both material and spiritual

prowess.

Today’s knowledge depends on direct visibility, experiences and scientific machinery/technology.

Via technology scientist are attaining material knowledge and powers/energies. This methodology

is very expensive, requires tough labor, miniscule and unsteady. Today although a great deal of

material knowledge has been attained thanks to great scholars, professors and researchers yet

greatness of our psyche, generous character and self sacrifice for cosmic welfare eludes us

totally. Today’s so called wisdom has made mankind more selfish, unruly, spendthrift and vainly

superficial/hypocritical. For sure scientifically we are progressing by leaps and bounds but when

there is success a host of downfalls also come our way unasked. Chemical fertilizers are used to

improve soil fertility and thus augment harvest yields but the side effects of such fertilizers are

many and detrimental for human health. Factories and mills produce large quantities of materials

(cloth, food items etc) but they enhance both air and noise pollution. Thus it is so dangerous for

humans to dwell nearby such places. Scientists unanimously opine that within the next 100 years

coal, oil, petrol and other mineral ores will virtually become naught and hence without fuel today’s

machinery and other technology will prove to be defunct and useless. As days go by technology

used to generate electricity too will wither away and if more atomic energy is generated air

pollution will augment manifold times.

In ancient times the basis of knowledge and science were different. Today just as every object is

searched for in this inert world and atoms in the same way in ancient times every thing including

objects, forces, energy etc was searched for in the spiritual arena. Today the foundation is

materialism whereas in ancient times it was spiritual. This is a well known principle of modern

science wherein all visible objects are gross in nature. In comparison to these the same materials

in its subtle invisible form are moving in subtle space that measure infinite more times than its

gross version. Take for example water. If you take into account 100 ton water on earth’s surface in

comparison millions of tons in its invisible subtle form is moving in the atmosphere. Our thought

and mental resolve too is an ‘object’. In this object a certain type of magnetic pull can manifest

and with its aid we can attract required atoms of special materials of the subtle world towards

ourselves. Latching on to this basic principle of subtle sciences great Rishis of yore saw that

when the atoms of all objects of the world are present in our bodily and mental arena atoms of

great utility value must be augmented and by attracting the same species of innumerable atoms

towards oneself from the atmosphere why not fulfill the goal of attaining desired materials? These

Rishis thus conducted research on the basis of this science and via specific spiritual practices

awakened great and minor energies that lie latent in the human body and mind. As a result their

ability to attract things became so potent that just as a crane catches fish from the depths of the

ocean with the help of its long neck so too they ‘caught’ various objects, potentials and energies

of space.

Our ancient research on wisdom and science had their roots in Gayatri and Yajna because the

latter are father and mother of Spiritual Sciences. Gayatri represents wisdom and Yajna

represents science. The 24 letters of Super Mantra Gayatri encompasses teachings for uplifting

of world humanity to peaks of glory. Apart from this these interwoven letters harbor mysterious

sciences and their substratum. If these 24 letters are utilized as per scriptural injunctions latent

extraordinary powers of the mind start awakening at the appropriate hour. Spiritual qualities too

start speedily augmenting and the intellect becomes razor sharp and brilliant. Further such

farsightedness is attained which helps solve innumerous life’s problems with relative ease.

The Science of Yajnas is verily important. The word power of Vedic Mantra chanting is offered to

fire in Kundas (pyre) lit with special wood (Samidhaa), Havi/Charu (materials like grains etc).

Thus the fire becomes extremely potent and certain types of waves, vibrations and radiations are

emitted by it. These energy waves akin to radars can be sent to any nook and corner of the world.

Just about any person can imbibe them and for certain special aims it can be made to manifest in

the very deep recesses of Mother Nature. In order that rains, grains, milk, good health, our very

life force etc augment on our planet Earth Yajnas can be the best mediums for its success.

Energy emitted by Yajnas positive transform our emotions, thought process and external

circumstances too. Thus there are innumerable benefits which confirm or premise that Yajnas

ought to be performed in every nook and corner of the world albeit in a scientific manner. In Hindu

Religion every festival, ritual, worship, rite, vow, Sanskar, devotional practice etc remains

unfulfilled without a Yajna. A Hindu child is born in a delivery room which has an eternal flame

lamp lit. Later when death approaches this fire helps light the funeral pyre for cremation of the

dead body (Antyeshti Kriya). Yajnas were given immense importance by great Rishis of yore

simply because not only were they means to attain material forces/powers but that by making

man’s body and psyche sacred, desireless and thought free he/she attained spiritual bliss and

peace on an eternal basis.

If in today’s times cultural transformation in an advanced manner is to take place we will have to

take recourse to both wisdom and science. The seed Mantra of Indian Culture is Super Mantra

Gayatri. On the basis of its power and sacred precepts our entire cast is molded. A true Hindu’s

ideal is to exist radiantly like the brilliant fire. Our biological parents without doubt give us bodily

wealth, educational resources, a roof over our head, love and affection. Similarly if we reinstate

Mother Gayatri and Yajna Father in the very core of our psyche and worship them with devotion

we can attain even more precious and highly beneficial means.

By converting a few materials of ours into a sacred gaseous state we are sort of performing

charity because without any differences of ‘I’, ‘mine’, caste, religion, friend, foe etc everyone

inhales it (unknowingly) so as to attain stupendous health, material and spiritual benefits. Thus it

is akin to Brahmabhoja or Divine Banquet and thus a Yajna’s expenses are miniscule when

compared to the all pervasive gigantic benefits that accrue to one and all.

Yajnas are symbols of congregationalism or collectivity. Other modes of spiritual practices can be

executed individually but Yajnas are divine programs where many people participate together in

an atmosphere of camaraderie. Holi festival’s and other Yajnas are always gigantic and

congregational. Yajnas enhance sacred sentiments of unity, cooperation, commitment etc.

Every sacred task, auspicious occasion and festival is said to be complete only if at the end of it a

Yajna is performed. Yajna is Indian Culture’s father. Yajna is India’s ancient and most revered

Vedic mode of worship. In order that the goal of religious oneness and that of sentiments too be

attained it would be a multi faceted farsighted effort to conduct such Yajnas in a large scale

congregational manner.

Gayatri is a Goddess of sacred intellect and Yajna is the God of sacred actions. The divine couple

of Mother Gayatri and Yajna Father will prove successful and powerful from all standpoints if the

goal is gigantic augmenting of sacred sentiments and wholesome world welfare activities. The

method of performing Gayatri Yajnas is very simple, well accepted and attractive too. In order that

the vile intellect of world humanity is sanctified, the energy and power of Goddess Super Mantra

Gayatri is not only mind boggling but one without a second too.

In order that a congregation of people of cities, districts and villagers gather together gigantic

Yajnas should be planned at many places so that everyone benefits both materially and

spiritually. Rest assured if the method is erroneous they will prove not only to be costly but that

precious time and labor will go down the drain so to speak. If on the other hand Yajnas are

performed methodically as per Vedic injunctions not only are the expenses meager but that they

are magnetic and highly beneficial for all without exception. In every Indian ritual, religious vow,

sacred ceremonies and festivals Yajnas predominate. On understanding its mode and goal

virtually all requirements of religious programs/rites stand fulfilled.

Independent Yajnas can be executed even for world well being/peace, awakening world human

psyche and sanctification of the atmosphere. In fact this goal predominates when Yajnas are

performed during festivals and auspicious occasions. Every Indian devotee and those dwelling

the world over must become well versed with the concept and methodology of Yajnas.

Following are some important quotes and verses of various scriptures regarding Yajnas:

“For such auspicious tasks very sacred areas are required because only when the purest unites

with the purest do sacred fruits manifest”

……………………….LORD MANU

“India is the purest of pure and hence Yajnas are ordained to be carried out in this sacred land”.

……………………MANU SMRITI (22/23)

Just as Yajnas are absolutely sacred and hence arrangements for sacred areas are made so too

it is most required that the Yajna doer is pure both within and without. On the foundation stones of

this science was constructed the Varna or caste system. The gist of this has been given by Lord

Manu:

“When everything is sacred it is imperative that the one directing the Yajna and the one offering

Havi to the Yajna fire as per scriptural injunctions is sacred too. It is hence that Vedas are called

most sacred”.

………………………. MANU SMRITI (1/31)

“On such sacred scientific foundation stones are Yajna studies conducted by credible disciples in

a sacred place under the tutelage of pious Acharyas or preceptors. This is why in other nations

you do not find Vedpaathis (Vedic scholars) despite the fact that they try and construct their own

awry interpretations of the same”.

………………………. MANU SMRITI (12/94)

Yajna is called ‘Kaamadhukaha’ and hence all our desires get fulfilled. I remember those days

when in Germany the Science of Telepathy unfolded. But alas they succeeded only within the

periphery of 39 miles whereas in India via Yajnas we can mentally influence even the upper crust

of the Moon.

“Those eulogies which mankind finds to be superior even when compared to Pitrus (ancestors)

help us retract our mind which goes to even Pitruloka (ancestral world)”.

…………………………….SHUKLA YAJURVEDA (3/43)

The act of prayer varies when the underlying desires vary and hence different Yajna methods

exist for different requirements and goals. For self rule Vaajpeya Yajnas are conducted, for

heaven Darshapaurna Maas Yajnas are conducted, for Saam Agni Jyotishtoma Yajnas are

conducted, for siring a son Putreshti Yajnas are conducted and to overcome foes Shyena Yajnas

are conducted. Yajna helps fulfill various desires and hence Prajaapati (creator) named it

Kaamadhuka.

CHAPTER 8

WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF ‘YAJNA’?

Yajna originates from the root word ‘Yaja’ in Sanskrit language. It means worship of divinity,

congregation and charity. Yajna’s spiritual activity involves worship of divine powers of Almighty

God, associating with God, devotion/meditation and whatever we call as ‘mine’ erroneously

should be humbly placed at the feet of God so as to self surrender. Yajna also means humbly

serving hallowed saints and associating with them with the aim of helping in their sacred mission.

From the social standpoint we can say respecting our elders, friendship with those of our cadre

and selflessly serving those of the lower strata of society too is true Yajna. Thus Yajna also

connotes devotion to God, augmenting of the truth principle and mutual love and cooperation. Of

course in terms of Havan or fire sacrifice Yajna is very well known. Even via fire ritual the above

mentioned 3 goals can be attained.

Following are some memorable quotes on Yajnas:

“Yajna is the union of 3 sacred tasks viz. offering Havi to demigods, Vedic Mantra chanting and

giving gifts/wealth to Ritwijas”.

……………………….Matsya Purana

“Yajna is when preceptors teach Vedas to pious disciples along with Anga and Upanga”.

“Yajna is that activity which pleases demigod Indra who in turn showers rain”.

“Yajna is that program which helps us easily attain heaven and other hallowed worlds”.

“Yajna is that program which leads to world welfare and well being”.

“Yajna is that program which uproots strife pertaining to natural calamities, physical body and the

psyche”.

“Yajna is giving charity with the aim of eulogizing divinity via Vedic Mantra chanting”.

WORSHIPPING DIVINITY (a few quotes):

“Yajna means revering and worshipping divinity”.

“Yajna is that activity which honors demigods”.

“Yajna is that activity which worships demigods”.

“Yajna is that activity which worship and satiates demigods”.

CONGREAGATIONAL ACTIVITIES (a few quotes):

“Yajna is a program that congregates great people for spiritual, national and religious protection

purposes”.

“Yajna is inviting a gathering of great, wise and Vedic scholarly people for world welfare”.

“Yajna is a gathering of relatives, friends etc in a cordial and reverent manner”.

CHARITY (a few quotes):

“Yajna is donation of wealth for a great purpose keeping in mind whether the place and hour of

doing so is appropriate or not”.

“Yajna is that activity wherein wealth is donated with devotion/faith to appease demigods”.

“Yajna is the holy act of humble surrendering everything to Almighty God”.

“Yajna is satiating those who beg for alms. In this manner Yajna has 3 meanings: 1) worshipping

Divine Powers 2) sacred congregational programs and 3) charity/donation.

In the very initial stages God first manifests himself as Divine Powers. These Divine Powers

create, propagate and nurture this world. Via their worship they are appeased and via devotion

these Divine powers manifest in the devotee’s psyche. Thus these powers proliferate and help

greatly in the sacred task of world welfare.

Man’s power and reach is extremely miniscule. At a gross level he/she cannot contact Divine

Powers. If someone wishes to sit near the blazing sun, for sure that person will be burnt to ashes

immediately on doing so. Agni, Indra, Varuna etc are all powers/energies. Since these energies

cannot be contacted grossly spiritual seers unearthed a science for their manifestation. While

chanting Vedic Mantras Ahutis are offered to the mouth of a sacrificial fire. This word power

renders our sentiments and materials offered subtle which then reach the upper subtle worlds.

Agni or fire is called Hutavaa (Yajna offerings are used as ‘vehicles’) and demigods are called

Purohitas (priests). Mantra chanting awakens certain energies and fire transports our offerings

(Aahutis) to demigods. This science was unfolded by great Indian Rishis with their subtle divine

vision. Thus mankind’s hardships were warded off and by contacting any Divine Power the door

of prosperity was thrown wide open for world humanity.

Aahutis please demigods and in this manner they are honored too. They are eulogized. This is

true worship. In return they give their powers to the devotee. Fire possesses qualities like heat,

light and activity. The meaning of meditating on fire is advancement of these qualities and divine

energies. Wind is feather weight, the power to reach heaven and augmenting of the vital force

(Prana). Meditation on Maruta (wind god) results in control of the vital force, hearing of far off

sounds, seeing of far off places etc. All demigods thus have various kinds of Divine Powers.

When these qualities manifest in our psyche they do so by a divine magnetic attraction towards

us. These Divine powers are called ‘miracles’ and Sidhis. In reality man’s contribution regarding

this is negligible and it is these powers that create miraculous feats. It helps man contact

demigods and this is the second leg of Yajna.

Based on the person’s character, those times and situations when he/she is given donation and

their needs are fulfilled, that too is a Yajna. It is a very difficult question to answer as to who

deserves to e given help, charity and donations. Despite this revered Rishis have given us a

solution wherein one must give our most valued materials to demigods because the latter never

hoard anything. Instead whatever they are given is made subtly n-fold more potent and thus

millions of people the world over without any restriction benefit from them. Thus whatever man

cherishes most must be first offered to demigods and Almighty God himself. So it is clear that

anything offered to demigods with devotion is returned to mankind that is manifold times more in

measure. This is true Yajna. Under today’s circumstances when the above 3 points are analyzed

deeply the conclusions are as follows:

1) This world abounds with both divine and demonic powers. Hence mankind the world over

must pursue those powers and worship them which inspire divinity, good will, justice and

righteousness in our soul. We must have deep faith in such Divine powers and every step of ours

should go in that direction only. We must gird up our loins in an alert manner to eradicate, fight

and obstruct demonic powers and anti social elements. If out of helplessness one must live

physically amidst vile elements yet mentally never ever accept or succumb to their wily nature. At

least within in the psyche one must abhor such demonic forces and constantly pray to Almighty

God to wrench your self free from its dangerous clutches along with necessary effort too. If we

our selves imbibe demonic qualities and then execute worship rites know for sure it is very

detrimental because it would become worship of demons (while worshipping and praying it is very

essential that the mind leans towards sacred and wholesome qualities). Those having faith in

Yajnas must totally stay away from demonic qualities and vile leanings both mentally and at the

level of activities in ones day to day lives.

2) This world is full of hatred, communal tension, terrorism etc. Hence it is our prime duty not

only to abstain from encouraging it but that strong efforts must be made to manifest world unity,

selfless love, friendship, cooperation and congregations that induce world brotherhood (AIM: A

BEAUTIFUL BORDERLESS WORLD). All earth denizens must generously help one another with

a sense of oneness of soul. Today there is hatred and strife amongst various communities,

religions, nations, regions etc. Instead of adding more strife it is imperative that all of us the world

over help overcoming tension and resolve all difference of opinions amicably and aptly. Hindu

religion ordains its followers both tolerance and sense of unity with others. It has so many

cultures, thought flows, beliefs etc and ironically some of them are totally opposite to one another.

And yet all of them exist peacefully and tolerantly. Despite some many ‘isms’, precepts, principles

etc man can yet aspire to live in an atmosphere of good will, cooperation and tolerance. Instead

of fighting for trivial matters we must think tolerantly and spread the message of divine love and

peace in every corner of the globe. This world unity/brotherhood is an extremely important aspect

of a true Yajna.

3) Whatever almighty god has given us is certainly not meant for our use only in a selfish

manner. God gives us rivers, oceans, trees, flowers, natural resources, animals etc for the use of

all creatures and hence is it appropriate that we being his children use things given to us

selfishly? Selfish use is bang opposite to Yajna sacred sentiments. We must use our intellectual

wealth, wisdom, finances, comforts etc with those who are less fortunate and help those of the

higher strata of society in their gigantic endeavors of world welfare activities. Our needs must be

kept minimal and labor hard to augment worldly, mental, bodily and soul forces. But the aim of

this augmenting should be: “Earn with 100 hands and donate with a thousand hands”. We are all

used to amassing so much wealth that after our demise our inheritors become unruly and

indolent. Instead use as much of your earnings for world welfare/unity while you are alive and

spread the message of great thinking, great character, good will and ever lasting peace.

A very important point to note is that donations and charity are being openly misused.

Undeserving people in a wily manner live on ‘freebies’ when they have not the slightest need of

them. We must stop this and yet where the cause is genuine and people are truly deserving we

must give up stinginess and donate our time, energy and finances as much as possible towards

such sacred endeavors.

When we say donation and charity we mean utilizing our potential, brilliance, skills, wealth etc for

world welfare and readying our minds for the same. It is this generosity based viewpoint that

inspires mankind to renounce and sacrifice transient pleasures for attaining eternal divine spiritual

bliss. This world’s existence itself is based on charity. From the individual (micro) to the cosmos

(macro) this precept is at work. It is the reason why this world is balanced and well managed. If

the concept of charity goes haywire even a fetus in its mother’s womb will die and thus the wheel

of procreation will come to a grinding halt. The existence of human and other beings is absolutely

dependent on this. It is cooperation and renunciation that help individuals and the world progress

both materially and spiritually. The proof of any one remaining alive is the fact that his/her mother

has sacrificed a lot so as to nurture/nourish them. For 9 months in her pregnancy period the

mother nourishes her fetus in the womb through her blood and umbilical cord. It is because of this

supreme sacrifice a radiant wonderful child is born who later attains manhood and womanhood.

The Yajna viewpoint is clearly seen in a father earning daily bread for his family and society too

helping in the nurturing of every child in society. Not only in human beings but other creatures like

plants, birds, animals too coexist in a sense of mutual cooperation which again is the Yajna

concept. They mutually benefit one another. Great Rishis knew very well the secret of the

importance of charity which advances all creatures and the world wholesomely. They inspired

every subtle and powerful individual to utilize their radiant potentials and skills for the welfare of

society. If the weak and downtrodden class of society are not given help from their well of

brethren world mismanagement will set in without doubt. Such undesirable attitudes will crush

human grandeur and glory to dust.

YAJNA INSPIRATION:

Yajna inspires mankind to renounce with zest their all for charity/sacrifice and thus herald world

well being. The second leg is no less important. The word Sangatikarana means a sense of

oneness. There is same sightedness and equality. There should be oneness of nature and soul.

Yajna encourages world humanity to congregate with a sense of oneness of soul. One must have

oneness with the cosmos since it is Almighty God’s manifestation and thus look upon every

inanimate/animate being too as divinity incarnate. Ones individual consciousness (ego or ‘I’)

should merge into cosmic consciousness (God). A wooden stick on entering a blazing fire takes

up the form of fire. Ordinary ponds and small rivulets on entering the River Ganges become

Ganges in nature. Almighty Lord oozes with divinity and supreme greatness. When one merges

into God one becomes God manifest. This sort of merging induces total transformation of man’s

inner personality. In fact many a times even the external appearance/form changes. The merging

of world humanity with world consciousness takes the form of generosity and supreme greatness.

When we conjoin to cosmic consciousness the sentiments of “Aatmavat sarva bhootayshoo” (all

beings are manifestations of my soul) and “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” (the entire world is my

family) manifest in full strength.

Ordinarily man identifies/associates himself with material objects. As a result the inert nature of

objects seeps into his/her psyche and makes it very materialistic. Attachment to fleeting objects is

like running after a mirage in a dessert. It is the cause of discontent and lack of satiation. Thus

man never experiences consciousness’ qualities like divinity, nectarine bliss and timelessness.

This is because our association especially at the psychic level is with inert material objects (TV,

computer, cell phone, property, bank balance etc). Thus we lack eternal bliss and peace. Yajna

inspires mankind to associate his/her consciousness with God or cosmic consciousness. God is

the very root substratum-existence of all creatures without exception. If thus all creatures merge

their individual ego with this divine existence, all divine qualities and grandeur of cosmic

consciousness will manifest in ones soul. Yajna inspires us to tread this sacrosanct path that

leads to eternal bliss and peace.

Associating/merging into divinity results in all creatures/humanity experiencing the infinite fount of

their true sacred existence. This is that human basis whose inspiration makes man generous and

magnanimous to a fault. If all creatures are manifestations of ones very soul where is the

question of ‘you are mine’ and ‘you are not mine’? At such times everyone’s sorrow will become

ones own and we will be happy when others are happy. Man will then realize deeply, that only in

world well being, exists the welfare of every individual. All forms of narrow minded, fanatic,

fundamentalist and selfish beliefs will be pounded to naught. In true spirituality the attitude is

yearning well being of each and every animate/inanimate being. Thus the dreams of ‘world united

peacefully as a family’ and ‘creation of a beautiful borderless world’ can definitely be realized.

The 3rd meaning of Yajna is worship of divinity. In its social aspect it means selfless service to the

world. Worship of divinity means worshipping divine endeavors. For this the path of humble

selfless service requires to be imbibed. It is via service that divinity manifests in society and that

heaven like situations the world over pervades. Selfless service means utilizing our bodily and

mental strength for overcoming strife and downfall that pervade in every nook and corner of the

globe. This is the very ‘spine’ of humanity and its values. A compassionate heart not only sheds

silent tears on seeing others pain and anguish but that it actually makes efforts to ward them off.

It is only then can we say that we have truly worshipped divinity. Divinity’s worship encompasses

the anguish of a compassionate heart when it encounters others pain and instantly works hard to

help those in sorrow and strife. Selfless service to the world ensures that divine tasks are

protected and are spread far and wide in the entire world. It is thus that activities of uplifting the

downtrodden of the world proliferate.

The Yajna Philosophy of charity, oneness of soul and divinity worship makes mankind generous

and large hearted in all aspects of life. Unlimited potentials flow in these 3 principles for man’s

material/spiritual advancement. In order to sow the seeds of supreme greatness in the psyche of

world humanity and in order to intensify their faith all the above 3 play an extraordinary role.

There is no difference of opinion with reference to the fact that these 3 precepts make mankind

large hearted and magnanimous. For a short time span with reference to difference of opinion as

far as theistic principles amongst various schools of philosophy can take place and this is no

doubt witnessed on a few occasions. But this never occurs with reference to those eternal

principles that reinstate human values, inculcate greatness in individuals and society and those

that make one sacred in character. Yajna Philosophy beyond all disputes is the only philosophy

which enfolds within it all those principles which augment progress in the lives of all individuals

and the world at large. This Rishi tradition spanning over centuries that oozes with inspiration and

sage advice if imbibed deeply can help world humanity reach pinnacles of progress, prosperity

and peace.

In its pristine pure form the word Yajna is used for the concept of congregational goals and

endeavors. Today because it is used in a lone manner people are not attracted to it much. In the

Bhagwad Geeta this has been discussed very deeply and has been correctly conjoined to

spiritual leanings. In Apte’s Sanskrit to English dictionary Yajna is translated as ‘to sacrifice’. This

can be utilized in the context of personality development too along with imbibing of supreme

sacred sentiments. Yajna of Eye Donation, Yajna of Land Donation, Yajna of Knowledge

Disbursement etc are used in the realm of spiritual aspirations. Its mission is service to the world

and making this as a medium of soul purification. Ultimately this leads to Self/God Realization.

N.C. Bandhopadhyaya in his book “Development of Hindu Polity and Political Theories” while

accepting the above observation gives necessary proof by quoting Rig-Veda’s Richas (Mandal 2

to Mandal 9). A great western thinker A Barth in his book “Religions of India” opines that Yajna is

but the nectarine relationship between human society and Mother Nature.

“People light the symbol (fire) of Yajna and humanity invites fire in this sacred religious program”.

………………………Rig-Veda (6/2/3).

While giving Mantra based

proof, Yajnas have been described by A. Barth as an extraordinary experiment of society based

cooperative endeavor. The truth too is this: Yajna endeavor involves rendering materials of utility

gaseous so that when it spreads in all directions of the world countless creatures including

mankind benefit tremendously. This it is micro merging into the macro.

Generally majority of Yajna methodologies are such wherein the help and cooperation of many

individuals is required. Congregationalism and cooperation are the buzz word in it because for

Yajnas to succeed pure water from holy rivers, pyre, dais construction and other tasks have to be

executed which can be done only if many individuals volunteer to do so. Mantras have to be

chanted, so many Aahutis have to be offered, circumambulations are executed and all this needs

discipline and unison. Thus this philosophy makes man truly great. Along with the concept of

Viraat Brahman or cosmic consciousness we are advised to par take Yajnaavashishta (sacred

remnant Yajna food items or Prasaad). Anyone who eats food without first serving others is said

to be a criminal. There are Vedic verses which say that demigods attained divinity via Yajnas.

These observations exhort us to work for world well being like humble cogs in the wheel. Very

briefly put Yajna Philosophy augments ones character individually and at the universal level it

inspires one to contribute towards cosmic welfare. This is that supreme royal path which

enhances all round progress of individuals and the world along with world peace and prosperity.

 

Om Tat Sat
                                                        
(Continued...) 

(My humble salutations to Shri Shriram Sharma Acharya ji  and thankfulness to Ms. Heena A Kapadia ji for the collection)