Yajna is born of action - yaGYaH karmasamudbhavaH

March 18, 2011

Bhagavad Gita chapter 3, 14th shloka says:

अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भवः |
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञः कर्मसमुद्भवः ||३-१४||
annaadbhavanti bhuutaani parjanyaadannasambhavaH .

From food come forth beings; from rain food is produced; from Yajña arises rain, and Yajña is born of action.

In discussing the 4th quarter, Pujya Gurudev addresses that question directly. He says, “'Yajña karma samudbhavah'is not merely saying in words, ‘Yes, I am with you’, it doesn’t mean just giving a check. Capital is no doubt required. But, you have to get involved in that program by your own efforts.”

“The BhagavadGita” is a collection  (Orient Paperbacks, published by the Navjivan Turst) of talks given by Mahatma Gandhi’s on the Geeta at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad from February to November 1926. Gandhiji says: “Dharma is not to be followed with tender regard to one’s body. .. There is no Yajña for him who is not ready to mortify the body.”

The quotes also provide an interesting insight into their respective personalities. Gandhiji having  subjected himself to various disciplines spoke openly and often about disciplining the physical body. Gurudev on the other hand, even though he had subjected himself to some intense sadhana as glimpsed through his “My Trek through Uttarakhand”, was always conscious that followers might misinterpret and subject themselves to disciplines regardless of whether they are ready or not. Hence, his emphasis is on action and personal involvement rather than mortifying the body.

Everytime there is a natural disaster, schools and corporations organize fund raising to finance relief activities. We give money and we feel good. As a donor, it is easy to assume that offering moral or monetary support is a good substitute for being involved directly. Gandhiji & Gurudev are asking a more fundamental question “Are you involved directly in something bigger than yourself?”

Hari Om and Namaskar until the next post.