Question
4.
Many persons entertain wrong notions about Yajnas and Yagas. Is it
possible to otter rational explanations to the objections often
raised by them?
If we are interested in living happily in this world, there must be
the spirit of mutual co operation amongst us. To help others when we
are helped by them, nay, to serve the society to the extent
possible, should be our motto.
According to the Hindu concept, world does not mean only the human
beings. It includes the animal kingdom as also vegetation and
other aspects or nature. There are sentient beings who control
these aspects and powers of nature. They are called Devatas or
deities, The Yajnas and Yagas are the rites by which these. deities
are propitiated. The Shastras or holy scriptures are the basic
authority for this concept.
Pleased by these rites, these deities
grant us rain, food, health, wealth and progeny, and protect us from
evil. Thus, when human beings and the deities appease and please
on another, the whole world feels satisfied. This is the
basic idea behind the system of Vedic sacrifices.
Lighting the fire according to the directions given in the holy
books, inviting the deities into that fire through appropriate
Mantras or chants and offering oblations to them for the fulfillment
of one's desires this is the essence of the prescribed process of
such sacrifices.
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