Bhagavadgita 3.3- Karma yoga- Yagna

Bhagavan reiterated the importance of proper action and performing our actions in the form of Karma Yoga. This will free us from the effects of these karmas. Now Bhagavan talks about doing Karma as Yagna (sacrifice).  He tells Arjuna that by performing our prescribed duties without any attachment and the world survives by the action of everyone.  By being like this we could be free from bondage.

When God created this universe, creator said, "May you prosper by this. May this be a source of desired objects for you".  We were asked to do our duties in the form of Yagna so that we offer “Havis” through Agni so that we can get our wishes through them. We also perform different kinds of worships to fulfill our wishes. But in reality the Yagna means a sacrifice. The action that you perform without selfish attitude is Yagna. If your actions are for the good of other people or society, then that is called Yagna. When we feed ourselves and we offer that food first to God the Almighty, then this is also Yagna. If we breathe the air or eat the food or in fact do anything without thinking about the God, then that act is considered as theft. We do not want to be thieves in this world and bear the consequences of these sins.  Bhagavan talks about this in the following 2 verses.

Devaan Bhavayataanena te deva bhaavayantu vah!

Parasparam bhavayantaha Sreyah parmavaapsyatha!!  (3.11)

May you do your duties to nourish the gods and may the gods nourish you in turn by sustaining the world. This will ensure general prosperity for all.

Ishtaan-Bhogaan hi vo deva daasyante yagna-bhavitaah!

Tair-dattaan-apradaayai-bhyo yo bhunkte sthen eva sah!!  (3.12)

Being satisfied by your performance, gods will supply all necessities to man. But he, who enjoys these gifts, without offering them in return, is certainly a thief.

The scriptures say that all living bodies came from food grains. We are getting food when we have water through rain. The rain comes from the sacrifice or by performing prescribed duties. Gita says “The noble ones, who share their food before eating, are released from all kinds of sins. Others, who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin”.  Duties for all the human beings are prescribed in the Vedas and the Vedas are directly given by God. Therefore, it should be followed eternally without expecting the results.  The Sun gives us energy and does not expect anything from anyone. The air, water, and earth do their jobs without expecting any recognition from anyone. If earth says “I will stop orbiting or rotating” what will happen? If Sun does not shine, or there is no air, then what is the status of humanity?  Bhagavan cautions us in the following verse;

Evam Pravarthitam Chakram naanu-varthaya –teeha yah!

Aghaayu-rindriyaa-ramo mogham Paartha sa jeevati!! (3.16)

Oh Arjuna, a man who does not follow these prescribed duties, which are initiated by God in this manner leads a life of sin. He, who lives for the senses, lives in vain.

If we learn to offer ever thing that we do to God first, then there arises a question whether this action is appropriate or not. Then we are using out intellect rather than following the mind. It is important to share the excess with other people and this in turn helps us to not accumulate the impressions. 

When we live our everyday life, we have to learn to respect the rights of others when we claim our rights. If everyone performs their duties as prescribed then we do not have to worry about the rights.

Baba told us about the Pancha Maha yagnas in the form of Panchasoonas by taking alms.  We need to practice these in everyday life.

Deva Yagna: offerings made to Gods.

Brahma or Rushi Yagna: Following our scriptures and our saints.

Pitru Yagna: respecting elders, offering oblations to our ancestors.

Manushya Yagna: Helping the needy and contributing to the wellbeing of the community around us.

Bhuta Yagna: Helping the cause of other living beings around us like plants, animals and nature. 

By adopting these five kinds of yagnas in our life, we can fulfill our duties as prescribed by the scriptures. Then our path to convert karma into Karma Yoga becomes relatively easy.   Then every action can become a True Yagna. 

OM SRI SAI RAM!