(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
Innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of Supreme Personality of Godhead
Authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(b) Function of the demigods (3.11)
Supply all the benedictions necessary to keep body & soul together
Their pleasure and displeasure depend on the performance of yajna
(c) Chief purpose of all yajnas – Ultimate satisfaction of Yajna-pati “Vishnu” (3.11) – Ref. Bg. 5.29 “bhoktaram…”
(d) Benefits of “yajna” (3.11)
No scarcity of the supply of natural products – thus happiness in this world is guaranteed
Side Benefits: Gradual purification to help ultimate liberation – this happens in the following steps: When eatables are sanctified by yajna Existence is Purified → Finer tissues in memory are sanctified → Thus one can think of path of liberation → All these combined lead to Krishna Consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.
(e) For whom, sacrifice to demigods is recommended, if ultimate beneficiary is supposed to be Vishnu.
This is for one who cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(f) Basis of different yajnas – They are recommended based on different modes of different person. Ultimate Goal of all yajnas is gradual promotion to transcendental position
(g) All material necessities come through yajna e.g.
All eatables, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian (because all animals subsist on vegetation)
Heat, light, water, air etc.
All manufacturing enterprises
(h) Purpose of all these material supplies
To keep body and soul together for the self–realization
(i) “Dangers” of not performing yajnas
One is called a ‘thief’ – Because one forgets the purpose of creation and takes all the supplies for sense gratification and thus enjoys the gifts without offering to the demigods in return (3.12)
Society of thieves can “never be happy” because they have no aim in life (3.12)
“Gets sinful reaction” (3.13)
(j) Easiest yajna for this age – Sankirtana-yajna inaugurated by Lord Caitanya.
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 3.12 & 3.13: Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.
Text 3.13
THEME: Devotees get freed from all sins, because they eat food which is first offered in sacrifice and thus they experience real peace and happiness
Those who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin
Learnings from Purport 3.13
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
Innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of Supreme Personality of Godhead
Authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(b) Function of the demigods (3.11)
Supply all the benedictions necessary to keep body & soul together
Their pleasure and displeasure depend on the performance of yajna
(c) Chief purpose of all yajnas – Ultimate satisfaction of Yajna-pati “Vishnu” (3.11) – Ref. Bg. 5.29 “bhoktaram…”
(d) Benefits of “yajna” (3.11)
No scarcity of the supply of natural products – thus happiness in this world is guaranteed
Side Benefits: Gradual purification to help ultimate liberation – this happens in the following steps: When eatables are sanctified by yajna Existence is Purified → Finer tissues in memory are sanctified → Thus one can think of path of liberation → All these combined lead to Krishna Consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.
(e) For whom, sacrifice to demigods is recommended, if ultimate beneficiary is supposed to be Vishnu.
This is for one who cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(f) Basis of different yajnas – They are recommended based on different modes of different person. Ultimate Goal of all yajnas is gradual promotion to transcendental position
(g) All material necessities come through yajna e.g.
All eatables, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian (because all animals subsist on vegetation)
Heat, light, water, air etc.
All manufacturing enterprises
(h) Purpose of all these material supplies
To keep body and soul together for the self–realization
(i) “Dangers” of not performing yajnas
One is called a ‘thief’ – Because one forgets the purpose of creation and takes all the supplies for sense gratification and thus enjoys the gifts without offering to the demigods in return (3.12)
Society of thieves can “never be happy” because they have no aim in life (3.12)
“Gets sinful reaction” (3.13)
(j) Easiest yajna for this age – Sankirtana-yajna inaugurated by Lord Caitanya.
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 3.12 & 3.13: Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.
Text 3.13
THEME: Devotees get freed from all sins, because they eat food which is first offered in sacrifice and thus they experience real peace and happiness
Those who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin
Learnings from Purport 3.13
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
A chance offered to conditioned souls to come Back to Godhead
To “Learn how to perform yajnas” for satisfaction of Supreme
(b) Benefit of yajnas:
To get happiness in material world and
To purify the heart of the living entity
Later enter into kingdom of God and thus get ultimate liberation
(c) Cause of conditioning in material world – Forgetfulness of our relationship with Krishna
(d) Purpose of Vedic Principles: To help us in understanding this eternal relationship
(e) Understanding of the Lord as “Pati” (Only master for all the living entities)
Ref. Vedic hymns – “Patim visvasyatmesvaram…”
Ref. SB 2.4.20 – Vishnu is the only ‘pati’ or ‘Lord of all living entities’
(f) Best yajna to satisfy Vishnu in the Age of kali – “Sankirtan-yajna”B – which is easy and sublime
Introduced by Lord Caitanya (Ref. SB 11.5.32: “krsna-varnam…”)
Ref Bg. 9.14: “satatam kirtayanto…” – Mahatmas constantly glorify the Lord
LINK BETWEEN 3.10 & 3.11 :Two results of sacrifices are:
1. Fulfilling all material desires (3.11 – 3.14) 2. Purify the heart to elevate one out of the material world (3.15 – 3.16)
Text 3.11 – 3.12
COMMON THEME : How our desire can be fulfilled in material world by demigod worship
Demigods being pleased by sacrifices will please the living entities; thus by co-operation between men and demigods prosperity will reign over all (3.11)
Without yajna, one is a thief – One who enjoys the gifts without offering them to the demigods is certainly a thief (3.12).
IMPORTANT POINTS :
This entire process is designed to foster a mood of dependence and service within the hearts of materialistic people.
With this goal in mind Krishna explains that those who receive the fruits of sacrifice without recognizing (and consequently offering back to) the Lord and the demigods, is a thief partaking of sinful life.
Learnings from Purport 3.11 – 3.12
(a) “Who are demigods (3 different definitions)
Empowered administrators of material affairs
Innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of Supreme Personality of Godhead
Authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(b) Function of the demigods (3.11)
Supply all the benedictions necessary to keep body & soul together
Their pleasure and displeasure depend on the performance of yajna
(c) Chief purpose of all yajnas – Ultimate satisfaction of Yajna-pati “Vishnu” (3.11) – Ref. Bg. 5.29 “bhoktaram…”
(d) Benefits of “yajna” (3.11)
No scarcity of the supply of natural products – thus happiness in this world is guaranteed
Side Benefits: Gradual purification to help ultimate liberation – this happens in the following steps: When eatables are sanctified by yajna Existence is Purified → Finer tissues in memory are sanctified → Thus one can think of path of liberation → All these combined lead to Krishna Consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.
(e) For whom, sacrifice to demigods is recommended, if ultimate beneficiary is supposed to be Vishnu.
This is for one who cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(f) Basis of different yajnas – They are recommended based on different modes of different person. Ultimate Goal of all yajnas is gradual promotion to transcendental position
(g) All material necessities come through yajna e.g.
All eatables, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian (because all animals subsist on vegetation)
Heat, light, water, air etc.
All manufacturing enterprises
(h) Purpose of all these material supplies
To keep body and soul together for the self–realization
(i) “Dangers” of not performing yajnas
One is called a ‘thief’ – Because one forgets the purpose of creation and takes all the supplies for sense gratification and thus enjoys the gifts without offering to the demigods in return (3.12)
Society of thieves can “never be happy” because they have no aim in life (3.12)
“Gets sinful reaction” (3.13)
(j) Easiest yajna for this age – Sankirtana-yajna inaugurated by Lord Caitanya.
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 3.12 & 3.13: Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.
Text 3.13
THEME: Devotees get freed from all sins, because they eat food which is first offered in sacrifice and thus they experience real peace and happiness
Those who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin
Learnings from Purport 3.13
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
A chance offered to conditioned souls to come Back to Godhead
To “Learn how to perform yajnas” for satisfaction of Supreme
(b) Benefit of yajnas:
To get happiness in material world and
To purify the heart of the living entity
Later enter into kingdom of God and thus get ultimate liberation
(c) Cause of conditioning in material world – Forgetfulness of our relationship with Krishna
(d) Purpose of Vedic Principles: To help us in understanding this eternal relationship
(e) Understanding of the Lord as “Pati” (Only master for all the living entities)
Ref. Vedic hymns – “Patim visvasyatmesvaram…”
Ref. SB 2.4.20 – Vishnu is the only ‘pati’ or ‘Lord of all living entities’
(f) Best yajna to satisfy Vishnu in the Age of kali – “Sankirtan-yajna”B – which is easy and sublime
Introduced by Lord Caitanya (Ref. SB 11.5.32: “krsna-varnam…”)
Ref Bg. 9.14: “satatam kirtayanto…” – Mahatmas constantly glorify the Lord
LINK BETWEEN 3.10 & 3.11 :Two results of sacrifices are:
1. Fulfilling all material desires (3.11 – 3.14) 2. Purify the heart to elevate one out of the material world (3.15 – 3.16)
Text 3.11 – 3.12
COMMON THEME : How our desire can be fulfilled in material world by demigod worship
Demigods being pleased by sacrifices will please the living entities; thus by co-operation between men and demigods prosperity will reign over all (3.11)
Without yajna, one is a thief – One who enjoys the gifts without offering them to the demigods is certainly a thief (3.12).
IMPORTANT POINTS :
This entire process is designed to foster a mood of dependence and service within the hearts of materialistic people.
With this goal in mind Krishna explains that those who receive the fruits of sacrifice without recognizing (and consequently offering back to) the Lord and the demigods, is a thief partaking of sinful life.
Learnings from Purport 3.11 – 3.12
(a) “Who are demigods (3 different definitions)
Empowered administrators of material affairs
Innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of Supreme Personality of Godhead
Authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(b) Function of the demigods (3.11)
Supply all the benedictions necessary to keep body & soul together
Their pleasure and displeasure depend on the performance of yajna
(c) Chief purpose of all yajnas – Ultimate satisfaction of Yajna-pati “Vishnu” (3.11) – Ref. Bg. 5.29 “bhoktaram…”
(d) Benefits of “yajna” (3.11)
No scarcity of the supply of natural products – thus happiness in this world is guaranteed
Side Benefits: Gradual purification to help ultimate liberation – this happens in the following steps: When eatables are sanctified by yajna Existence is Purified → Finer tissues in memory are sanctified → Thus one can think of path of liberation → All these combined lead to Krishna Consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.
(e) For whom, sacrifice to demigods is recommended, if ultimate beneficiary is supposed to be Vishnu.
This is for one who cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(f) Basis of different yajnas – They are recommended based on different modes of different person. Ultimate Goal of all yajnas is gradual promotion to transcendental position
(g) All material necessities come through yajna e.g.
All eatables, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian (because all animals subsist on vegetation)
Heat, light, water, air etc.
All manufacturing enterprises
(h) Purpose of all these material supplies
To keep body and soul together for the self–realization
(i) “Dangers” of not performing yajnas
One is called a ‘thief’ – Because one forgets the purpose of creation and takes all the supplies for sense gratification and thus enjoys the gifts without offering to the demigods in return (3.12)
Society of thieves can “never be happy” because they have no aim in life (3.12)
“Gets sinful reaction” (3.13)
(j) Easiest yajna for this age – Sankirtana-yajna inaugurated by Lord Caitanya.
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 3.12 & 3.13: Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.
Text 3.13
THEME: Devotees get freed from all sins, because they eat food which is first offered in sacrifice and thus they experience real peace and happiness
Those who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin
Learnings from Purport 3.13
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
Lord Krishna has designed the material world to encourage sacrifice.
He does this by making material advancement dependent upon yajna.
By worshiping the Lord for material well-being, one becomes purified and advances.
LINK WITH PREVIOUS SECTION : : If a person is too attached to material life, and cannot perform Niskama karma–yoga, for them Krishna describes the yoga ladder from lowest rung and gradually moving higher; from Karma-kanda to Karma-yoga. Srila Prabhupada ends all the purports in Section III by glorifying the supremacy and the need of Sankirtana-yajna.
Text 3.10
THEME : Krishna explains Vedic karma-kanda system – Live happily in this world and gradually achieve liberation.
Principle behind the concept of karma-kanda – By satisfying desires in a religious way, those who are attached will be purified.
Learnings from Purport 3.10
(a) Purpose of material creation
A chance offered to conditioned souls to come Back to Godhead
To “Learn how to perform yajnas” for satisfaction of Supreme
(b) Benefit of yajnas:
To get happiness in material world and
To purify the heart of the living entity
Later enter into kingdom of God and thus get ultimate liberation
(c) Cause of conditioning in material world – Forgetfulness of our relationship with Krishna
(d) Purpose of Vedic Principles: To help us in understanding this eternal relationship
(e) Understanding of the Lord as “Pati” (Only master for all the living entities)
Ref. Vedic hymns – “Patim visvasyatmesvaram…”
Ref. SB 2.4.20 – Vishnu is the only ‘pati’ or ‘Lord of all living entities’
(f) Best yajna to satisfy Vishnu in the Age of kali – “Sankirtan-yajna”B – which is easy and sublime
Introduced by Lord Caitanya (Ref. SB 11.5.32: “krsna-varnam…”)
Ref Bg. 9.14: “satatam kirtayanto…” – Mahatmas constantly glorify the Lord
LINK BETWEEN 3.10 & 3.11 :Two results of sacrifices are:
1. Fulfilling all material desires (3.11 – 3.14) 2. Purify the heart to elevate one out of the material world (3.15 – 3.16)
Text 3.11 – 3.12
COMMON THEME : How our desire can be fulfilled in material world by demigod worship
Demigods being pleased by sacrifices will please the living entities; thus by co-operation between men and demigods prosperity will reign over all (3.11)
Without yajna, one is a thief – One who enjoys the gifts without offering them to the demigods is certainly a thief (3.12).
IMPORTANT POINTS :
This entire process is designed to foster a mood of dependence and service within the hearts of materialistic people.
With this goal in mind Krishna explains that those who receive the fruits of sacrifice without recognizing (and consequently offering back to) the Lord and the demigods, is a thief partaking of sinful life.
Learnings from Purport 3.11 – 3.12
(a) “Who are demigods (3 different definitions)
Empowered administrators of material affairs
Innumerable assistants in different parts of the body of Supreme Personality of Godhead
Authorized supplying agents on behalf of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(b) Function of the demigods (3.11)
Supply all the benedictions necessary to keep body & soul together
Their pleasure and displeasure depend on the performance of yajna
(c) Chief purpose of all yajnas – Ultimate satisfaction of Yajna-pati “Vishnu” (3.11) – Ref. Bg. 5.29 “bhoktaram…”
(d) Benefits of “yajna” (3.11)
No scarcity of the supply of natural products – thus happiness in this world is guaranteed
Side Benefits: Gradual purification to help ultimate liberation – this happens in the following steps: When eatables are sanctified by yajna Existence is Purified → Finer tissues in memory are sanctified → Thus one can think of path of liberation → All these combined lead to Krishna Consciousness, the great necessity of present day society.
(e) For whom, sacrifice to demigods is recommended, if ultimate beneficiary is supposed to be Vishnu.
This is for one who cannot understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead
(f) Basis of different yajnas – They are recommended based on different modes of different person. Ultimate Goal of all yajnas is gradual promotion to transcendental position
(g) All material necessities come through yajna e.g.
All eatables, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian (because all animals subsist on vegetation)
Heat, light, water, air etc.
All manufacturing enterprises
(h) Purpose of all these material supplies
To keep body and soul together for the self–realization
(i) “Dangers” of not performing yajnas
One is called a ‘thief’ – Because one forgets the purpose of creation and takes all the supplies for sense gratification and thus enjoys the gifts without offering to the demigods in return (3.12)
Society of thieves can “never be happy” because they have no aim in life (3.12)
“Gets sinful reaction” (3.13)
(j) Easiest yajna for this age – Sankirtana-yajna inaugurated by Lord Caitanya.
LINK BETWEEN TEXTS 3.12 & 3.13: Arjuna, however, could think, “I don’t need yajnas, demigods and opulent necessities of life. Nor must I perform yajnas to live. I will go to the forest and live by begging. I won’t take from the demigods, so I won’t be sinful by not offering yajnas to them. Not only won’t I be a thief, but I won’t take part in this ghastly, sinful warfare.” Krishna replies in the next two verses. Krishna in Text 3.14 especially warns Arjuna that even in the forest, all food is nurtured by rain coming from the demigods. Therefore he cannot avoid his obligation to perform the sacrifices born of his prescribed duty.
Text 3.13
THEME: Devotees get freed from all sins, because they eat food which is first offered in sacrifice and thus they experience real peace and happiness
Those who prepare food for personal sense enjoyment, verily eat only sin
Learnings from Purport 3.13
(a) Definition of ‘Santas’ – Devotees who are always in love with lord
Ref. Brahma Samhita 5.38 – “Premanjana…”
(b) Different yajnas performed by devotees – different varieties of devotional service as sravanam, kirtanam etc.
(c) Benefit – Freedom from “sinful reaction”
(d) “Sankirtana-yajna” : “Easy process to happiness and peace” for all people because without yajna, one is thief and sinful, and thus no happiness
(e) How devotees are freed from sinful reactions – because they eat food first offered in sacrifice.
(f) Fate of those who prepare food for their own self – They are thieves and sinful – Thus there is no happiness.
Text 3.14
THEME: Cycle of sacrifice – Sacrifice brings rains which nourishes the crop (food grains) which make living entities prosperous and happy.
Learnings from Purport 3.14
(a) Why there is no need to worship demigods. Because:
Demigods are only the appointed officers for material management
Vedas give sacrifices to satisfy these demigods to achieve all material supplies
Satisfying Krishna satisfies all the demigods who are like different limbs of the body; therefore no separate need to worship the demigod
(b) Analogy of Krishna consciousness and antiseptic immunity: Prasadam gives immunity from all material reactions, e.g. Antiseptic vaccine during epidemic
Conclusion – Krishna conscious sacrifice provides freedom from all past sins and immunizes against future reactions.
(c) Dangers of not accepting offered food –
Such a person continues to increase the volume of sinful action
Thus prepares the next body to resemble hogs and dogs to suffer the resultant actions
(d) Role of Sankirtana-yajna even for supply of food and protectionfrom scarcity
For all eatables we have to depend upon the production of fields which depends on rains
Rains are controlled by demigods who are servants of the Lord
And the Lord can be satisfied only by sacrifices
Sacrifice for this age – Sankirtana-yajna
Text 3.15
THEME : Following the acts of sacrifice as given in the Vedas is equivalent to following the will of Krishna. Therefore it is purifying and transcendental.
Regulated activities are prescribed in the Vedas and Vedas are directly manifested from Supreme Personality of Godhead
Consequently the All-pervading Transcendence is eternally situated in acts of sacrifice
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Yajna, sacrifice, is more than an elaborate ritual. Adherence to one’s duties is actually yajna. The Vedas prescribe various types of duties for different classes of beings.
By participating in sacrifice (yajna), even with materialistic objective, one comes in contact with transcendence. This is because the Vedas directly emanate from the Lord.
Sacrifice removes false ego, the sense of self-proprietorship. One can perceive transcendence to the extent that one partakes of sacrifice. Thus spiritual life can be seen as varying degrees of sacrifice for a transcendental cause. It starts with materialists performing yajnas to achieve pious sense gratification. The culmination of sacrifice is the life of a pure devotee, pure sacrifice.
Learnings from Purport 3.15
(a) “Yajnartha-Karma” – It implies “Necessity to work for satisfaction of Krishna only” (yuktavairagya). This is more expressly stately here:
If we have to work for the satisfaction of the Yajna-purusha, ‘Vishnu’, then we must find out the direction of work in Brahman, or the transcendental Vedas.
(b) The need of Vedas:
Vedas – They are the codes of working direction
Analogy: Just like one has to work in ordinary life by the direction of the state, one similarly has to work under the direction of the Supreme state of the Lord
Avoiding the Vedas – Any unauthorized or sinful work, without Vedic direction is called Vikarma
(c) Omnipotency of the Lord – This implies He can perform through each of His senses, the action of all other senses. 3 examples:
Speak by breathing air – Vedas emanations from breathing of Lord
Impregnates material nature by His glance
Eat by seeing or hearing the words of devotion
(d) Plan for the living entity
All conditioned souls are eager for material enjoyment.
Vedic directions are designed in a way one can satisfy one’s perverted desires and then return to Godhead, having finished his so-called enjoyment
Material creation offers conditioned souls to learn the science of yajna and attain liberation
Importance of Krishna consciousness – Even those who have not followed the Vedic injunctions may adopt the principles of Krishna Consciousness and that will take the place of performance of Vedic yajnas or karmas.
SUMMARISED THEME 3B
Cycle of Sacrifice (3.14 – 3.15)
Text 3.16
THEME : Emphasizes “Sacrifice is a must”
Without following these Vedic prescriptions, selfish activities simply take one into darkness
Thus one leads a life of sin
Living only for satisfaction of the senses such a person lives in vain
Learnings from Purport 3.16
(a) Condemns the ‘Mammonist Philosophy’ of “Work very hard and enjoy sense gratification”
(b) The cycle of performing yajna is an absolute necessity
Yajna is important for happiness in this world
Also, it helps one in spiritual elevation which is the purpose of human life.
Yajna process gradually purifies to bring one to the platform of Krishna consciousness – Therefore indirectly it is the practice of Krishna consciousness o If by performing yajnas, one does not become Krishna conscious, such principles are counted as moral codes o One should not therefore limit his progress only to the point of moral codes, but should transcend them, to attain Krishna consciousness.
(c) Nature’s law for human life – Human life is specifically meant for self-realisation in either of the three ways: karma-yoga, jnana-yoga or bhakti-yoga
Exception – No necessity to rigidly follow the prescribed yajnas for those transcendentalist who are above vice and virtue.
But those engaged in sense gratification require purification by performance of yajna.
