Hinduism 8(spiritual life)

Yajña — Sacrifice.

Yajña in its narrow primary sense refers to the ancient Vedic Sacrifices that are now redundant.
In its secondary and applied sense it refers to the Five Great Sacrifices which requite the Five
Great Debts with which each one of us is born. These are:—

Pitru runa — a debt to the ancestors. The fact of our birth, and the loving care, protection and
nurturing of our parents obligates us to them and to our grandparents and all the other
members of our family. This debt is discharged by procreation to continue the line, by
honoring our parents, seeking their guidance, supporting them, caring for them in their old
age and by venerating them and our ancestors after they have died.

Rishi Runa — Our sages (Rishis) have dedicated themselves to the path of enlightenment for thewelfare of all beings. These magnanimous sages have passed down their wisdom through
their disciples in order that we too may spiritually develop, unfold and progress towards
enlightenment. The debt that we owe them is discharged by taking the trouble to study
their teachings daily, and to teach them to others. Pursuit of a religious education or at the
very least making the attempt at being culturally informed frees one from this intellectual
debt.

Deva Runa — The Devas are the cosmic forces which administer and govern the universe under the direction of the Supreme Lord. All these forces of nature and cosmic principles are
rewarded by making daily offerings to them to show our gratitude and to help us cultivate
an awareness of the underlying cosmic consciousness behind all phenomenal appearances.

Manushya Runa — We are by nature social animals and cannot live in isolation. We are
therefore indebted to our fellow humans and have the duty to ensure that they are at least
clothed, fed and sheltered. By welcoming and offering hospitality to strangers and by
caring for the poor and the needy whenever the occasion arises, we discharge this social
debt. An orthodox Hindu should try to feed a stranger every day. There are three
minimal requirements which must be offered to a guest; a seat, water to drink, and kind
words.

Bhuta Runa — And lastly we are part of an environment which consists of plant and animal life
(bhutas = elementals). This ecosystem is vital to our survival and thus it is our duty to
continually protect it. This is done through tree planting programs, correct farming
methods and protection of wildlife.

pitru- yajña — the sacrifice to the forefathers.
deva- yajña — the sacrifice to the gods.
brahma- yajña — the sacrifice to the sages.
bhuta- yajña — the sacrifice to the animals.
manushya-yajña — the sacrifice to human beings.

The two dynamic factors of Yajña are:—

1. A sincere feeling of gratitude and

2. The demonstration of that heartfelt gratitude in the making of offerings and performing of service.

The supreme duty of the individual is to strive for spiritual and moral perfection. Every
individual is called upon to practice compassion and charity to all living beings every moment of
his/her life!

Tapas — self-discipline

Gita 17;15 – 17 expounds the threefold discipline of body speech and mind as follows:—

Physical self-discipline
1. The service of the gods, the priests, spiritual teachers and enlightened beings;
2. Personal hygiene and cleanliness of environment.
3. Integrity — harmony of thought and action;
4. Chastity — avoidance of considering others as objects of self-gratification;
5. Non-injury — avoidance of causing pain to any being.

Discipline of speech
1. Disciplined speech should not cause disturbance to others,
2. It should be true, agreeable and intended for the benefit of others, and
3. should be best be engaged in the activites of studying and teaching.

Discipline of mind
1. Peace of mind — the absence of anger, desire, delusion, pride, greed:
2. benevolence — being devoted to the good of others;
3. quiescence — a still mind devoid of turbulence;
4. self-restraint — focusing one’s thought flow on the object of contemplation;
5. perfect mindfulness — being constantly aware of the Spiritual dimension of life, the underlying Cosmic Force.

Ramanuja says that this threefold self-discipline (Tapas) should be practiced with the utmost
faith through deed, speech and thought, having no consideration of any reward and with the
conviction that it is to be done simply as adoration of the Supreme Being.

Dana — generosity

Generosity is compassion in action; the practice of philanthropy arises from the perception of the
same Divine Principle in all beings. When one realizes “sameness” with others, one develops not
only empathy with their needs and suffering but also a desire to alleviate that suffering to the
extant possible. Dana is service — the giving of one’s resources and time to help others whenever
and wherever possible.