Bhagavad Gita 4.25

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 25 – Different Forms of Sacrifice

Sanskrit Verse:

दैवमेवापरे यज्ञं योगिनः पर्युपासते |
ब्रह्माग्नावपरे यज्ञं यज्ञेनैवोपजुह्वति || २५ ||

Transliteration:

Daivam evāpare yajñaṁ yoginaḥ paryupāsate |
Brahmāgnāv apare yajñaṁ yajñenaivopajuhvati || 25 ||

Translation:

Some yogis worship the celestial gods through sacrifice, while others offer the sacrifice itself into the fire of Brahman.

" कुछ योगी यज्ञ के माध्यम से दिव्य देवताओं की पूजा करते हैं, जबकि अन्य लोग ब्रह्म अग्नि में स्वयं ही यज्ञ अर्पित करते हैं। "

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Explanation of Bhagavad Gita 4.25

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains different types of sacrifices (yajñas) that people perform as a means of spiritual advancement. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes selfless action and devotion, and this verse highlights two distinct approaches to sacrifice:

1. Worship of the Celestial Gods (Daiva Yajña)

Some individuals perform yajñas (sacrifices) to honor celestial deities. These sacrifices are often done with specific rituals, mantras, and offerings to gods like Indra, Agni, and Varuna. This practice follows the Vedic tradition, where people seek blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.

2. Offering to the Fire of Brahman (Brahma Yajña)

Others take a more philosophical approach, seeing the entire act of sacrifice as an offering to the ultimate reality—Brahman. They do not perform sacrifices for personal gain but as an act of devotion and self-purification. This represents a higher level of understanding where the sacrificer, the act of sacrifice, and the recipient of the sacrifice are all considered one in the divine consciousness.

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Spiritual Significance

1. Different Paths to the Divine: This verse acknowledges that individuals follow different spiritual paths according to their level of understanding and faith. Some perform external rituals, while others focus on internal realization.
2. Selflessness in Action: True yajña (sacrifice) is not just about ritualistic offerings but about surrendering one's ego, desires, and actions to the divine.
3. Unity in Spiritual Practices: Although methods differ, the goal remains the same—spiritual elevation and realization of the Supreme.

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Practical Application

• Develop a Spirit of Sacrifice: Whatever actions you perform, do them with dedication and selflessness, offering them to the divine.
• Recognize Different Paths: Respect all spiritual practices, as they all aim toward self-purification and enlightenment.
• Seek Higher Understanding: Move beyond ritualistic worship to develop a deeper connection with the Supreme through knowledge, meditation, and devotion.

This verse beautifully illustrates the diversity of spiritual approaches and encourages us to find the path that leads us closer to the ultimate truth.