|
|
Briefly
told, a yajna is making an oblation to a deity in the fire with
the chanting of mantras. In a sense the mantras themselves
constitute the form of the deities invoked. In another sense, the
mantras, like the materials placed in the fire, are the
sustanence of the celestials invoked. They enhance their powers
and serve more than one purpose. We pay taxes to the government.
However, the various imposts - professional tax, land tax, motor
vehicles tax, and so on - are collected by different offices.
There are also different stamp papers for the same. Similarly,
for each karma or religious work there is an individual deity, a
separate mantra, a particular material, etc, but the ultimate
goal of all these is dedication to the Supreme God. We know that
different departments are meant for the same government.
Similarly, we must realise that the sacrifices performed for the
various deities have behind them one goal, the Paramatman.
The
king or president is not personally acquainted with us who pay
the taxes. But Paramesvara, the Supreme Monarch, knows each one
of us better than we know ourselves. He also knows whether we pay
the taxes properly, the taxes called sacrifices. Paramesvara
cannot be decieved.
As
mentioned before, for each sacrifice there are three essential
requirements: the mantra, the material for oblation, and the
deity to be invoked, the three bringing together speech, hand
[body] and mind.
|
|
|
|
|
"Hindu Dharma" is a book
which contains English translation of certain invaluable and
engrossing speeches of Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji (at
various times during the years 1884 to 1994).
For a general background, please see here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
