यज्ञार्थात्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र लोकोऽयं कर्मबन्धन: | तदर्थं कर्म कौन्तेय मुक्तसङ्ग: समाचर || 9|| |
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Commentary
The Vedic yajna is a sacred ritual of worship and sacrifice wherein offerings such as ghee, grains, and wood are presented into a consecrated fire while reciting prescribed mantras from the scriptures. The fire, symbolizing Agni, is revered as the divine messenger that carries the offerings and prayers to the Gods. The ancient rishis described the universe as a perfect sacrifice, where one form surrenders itself to another in a harmonious exchange.
Various types of yajnas serve different purposes, from expressing gratitude to ancestors (Pitr yajna) and honoring lower beings (Bhutayajna) to acknowledging humanity (Nriyajna), divine beings (Devayajna), and ultimately, God (Brahmayajna). These rituals begin at the household level with daily offerings, extend to seasonal ceremonies for bountiful harvests, Somayajnas for broader societal welfare, and culminate in grand Ashwamedhayajnas for the prosperity of the entire nation. The essence of yajna comprises four key components: the heartfelt sentiment of worship or gratitude, sacrificial substances (dravya), the intended beneficiary, and the empowering mantras or chants. Lord Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, advises Arjuna and devotees to offer all actions, thoughts, and feelings to God as dravya, with a sense of surrender and detachment from outcomes, accompanied by a simple mantra like “Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam.” Even the highest spiritual aspirations, such as merging with God, can be offered as oblations. This act of selfless offering liberates one from bondage and the cycle of rebirth. How does one offer actions, thoughts, and feelings in a simple yet effective manner? The essence lies in making others joyful first, for in giving joy, one receives joy—a fundamental law of nature. Yajna involves offering one’s human faculties and form to the divine manifesting in family, friends, society, and nature. From extending friendship in youth to contributing skills to society, and from nurturing relationships with spouse and children to demonstrating devotion to parents and charity to society, the journey of yajna encompasses various stages of life. Ultimately, one surrenders their entire being to God at life’s culmination. The devotee’s dedication to bringing happiness to God through such acts of yajna reflects the highest level of commitment, which in turn brings out the best within him.