श्रोत्रादीनीन्द्रियाण्यन्ये संयमाग्निषु जुह्वति | शब्दादीन्विषयानन्य इन्द्रियाग्निषु जुह्वति || 26 || सर्वाणीन्द्रियकर्माणि प्राणकर्माणि चापरे | आत्मसंयमयोगाग्नौ जुह्वति ज्ञानदीपिते || 27 || द्रव्ययज्ञास्तपोयज्ञा योगयज्ञास्तथापरे | स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाश्च यतय: संशितव्रता: || 28 || |
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“Others offer hearing and other senses in the sacrificial fire of restraint. Still others offer sound and other objects of the senses as sacrifice in the fire of the senses.”
“Some, inspired by knowledge, offer the functions of all their senses and their life energy in the fire of the controlled mind.”
“Some offer their wealth as sacrifice, while others offer severe austerities as sacrifice. Some practice the eightfold path of yoga, and yet others study the scriptures and cultivate knowledge as sacrifice, while observing strict vows.”
Commentary: Majority of people are influenced by negative fear. Negative fear arises when the devotee is afraid that his desires won’t be fulfilled by God, if he acts or does not act in a certain way. Positive fear occurs when the devotee is afraid of losing the love and companionship of God if he acts or does not act in a certain way. In negative fear, there is anxiety and worry. In positive fear, there is understanding, love, trust and devotion. Negative fear increases the tenacious grip of the same habits over a long period of time but positive fear makes way for great inner peace and constant evolution. God is seen as a strict judge in negative fear whereas in positive fear, God is worshiped as a father, mother, friend and beloved.
To avoid suffering, people make sacrifices either out of negative or positive fear. Senses, which are turned outward to the material world have significant power to draw the mind also outward. The mind however can find peace only when it is turned inward on the fire of the great Spirit beating behind the hearts of million species. Some people exercise self-control by following austerities, yoga or by taking some vows. Some read scriptures to gain knowledge, sing chants, perform rituals, do charity, volunteer for some social service, offer food or even perform work as divine duty.
God appreciates all forms of worship. The devotee may continue on the same path if he feels an incremental increase in the feeling of peace and progress daily.