A Hindu Perspective by Balliram Chadee. M.Hin.

 www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com

or Bally 416-992-2487.

Question: What is the significance of various types of Sacrifices ( Yajna) in the Vedas?

Ans : The concept of “Yajna” or “Yagna” to which many of us have been exposed; carries a very deep philosophical and sentimental meaning and serves as an aspiration for millions of Hindus around the world in various forms and through various expressions of commitment and happiness. The very concept of “Yajna” depicts a sacrifice of some sort by a devotee or believer, usually for a specific reason and mostly done in a prescribed manner or through the belief that the rewards and merits are based on the extent of the compliance made to the prescribed principles and practices of the performance of that Yajna according to the religious or spiritual doctrines of the Vedas or texts.

Hindus around the world though holding the concept of Yajna as being the same in context, have articulated various perspectives to this major attribute and component of Hinduism. Depending on the geographical location around the world as well as local, physical, social and political conditions, Hindus have adapted to varying degrees in the execution and performance of Yajna in today’s Hindu world. The Vedas specifically propagates five major types of Yajna(s) for which many Hindus the world over still comply too; as best as possible within the limitations existing today, such as housing and whether conditions or residential restrictions in the Western world. Understanding that the “message have never changed but the messengers have”, the five Yajnas’ have played a significant role in the lives of Hindus and in specific reference to the well being of individuals, family, society and even Dharma itself through three generations; past present and future. The following are the five major types of Yajnas:

1) Deva or God, 2) Pitri or Ancestors, 3) Atithi or society 4) Bhuta or nature

5) Brahmana or religious representations of god.

Through these types of Yajnas, various “sacrifices” are made and depending on the personal ambitions and rewards expected by the “Yajmana” or performer of the Yajna, extensive and elaborate sacrifices are made or a routine small sacrifice is made. Most conventional Yagna comprised of a religious ritual extended over a period of days; usually 3, 5, 7 or 9 days or nights. During this period many manifestations of the supreme and almighty God were invoked and worship very elaborately, conducted by a series of Pundits, Sadhus and spiritual seekers, who sacrificed to the depths required as prescribed by the Scriptural Texts. Yagnas conventionally were held through worship using one of the major Religious Text such as Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita and usually coordinated with a major Hindu celebration or observation such as Shiva Raatri, Nav Raatri, Hanuman Jayanti or due to personal situations of success, sickness or death in a family circle and this was an act of begging, praise or appreciation.

In today’s society, especially in environments influenced by western Christianity, which always seem to overshadow the practices of Hinduism, more elaboration and preparation is done on the social and physical prestige, than are done for the spiritual undertakings or endeavors of Yagnas. This once more confirms the society in which we live, in the age of “Kaliyuga” where we are blessed with the challenges faced as Hindus and where devotion and sacrifices according to the religious doctrines and tenets of the Vedas and Shastras are more important now than ever. We need to revisit our sacrifices, our commitment and our devotion. We are the bestower of our own faith, the controller of our time and the master of our destiny, if we dedicate our lives in the service of duty to God. This does not mean we must give up our current practices or way of life, does not mean we have to surrender our wealth or lifestyle, but it does mean we must be practical, realistic, honest and committed to the doctrines of spirituality or religion as prescribed in the Vedas.