Bhagavad Gita 4.28

 

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 28: The Path of Sacrifice

Sanskrit Verse:

द्रव्ययज्ञास्तपोयज्ञा योगयज्ञास्तथापरे |
स्वाध्यायज्ञानयज्ञाश्च यतयः संशितव्रताः ॥

Transliteration:

Dravyayajñās tapoyajñā yogayajñās tathāpare |
Swādhyāyajñānayajñāś cha yatayaḥ saṁśita-vratāḥ ||

Translation:

Some perform sacrifices with material offerings, some through severe austerities, others through the practice of yoga, and still others through the study of scriptures and the cultivation of knowledge—all performed by those who are steadfast in their vows.

" कुछ लोग भौतिक भेंटों से, कुछ लोग कठोर तपस्या से, कुछ लोग योगाभ्यास से, तथा कुछ लोग शास्त्रों के अध्ययन और ज्ञान के अनुशीलन से यज्ञ करते हैं - ये सभी यज्ञ वे ही करते हैं जो अपनी प्रतिज्ञाओं में दृढ़ रहते हैं। "

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Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes different forms of yajñas (sacrifices) performed by seekers of spiritual enlightenment. The Bhagavad Gita teaches that selfless sacrifice is a path to purifying the mind and attaining divine wisdom.

1. Dravyayajña (Sacrifice through Offerings):

   • This refers to performing rituals where physical objects such as food, money, or other materials are offered to deities or for the welfare of others.
   • Charity and donations also fall into this category.

2. Tapoyajña (Sacrifice through Austerity):

   • This involves rigorous self-discipline, penance, and ascetic practices to gain spiritual strength.
   • Examples include fasting, celibacy, and meditation.

3. Yogayajña (Sacrifice through Yoga):

   • Practicing yoga as a means of spiritual offering, where the body and mind are disciplined to unite with the divine.
   • This includes karma yoga (selfless action), bhakti yoga (devotion), and jnana yoga (wisdom).

4. Swādhyāyajñāna Yajña (Sacrifice through Knowledge and Study):

   • This refers to self-study and contemplation of sacred scriptures, like the Vedas and Upanishads.
   • Acquiring wisdom and sharing it with others is considered a noble sacrifice.

5. Yatayah Samshitavratah (Self-disciplined Seekers):

• Those who follow strict vows and commit themselves to spiritual progress.
• Such individuals engage in different yajñas to purify their mind and soul.

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Relevance in Modern Life

• Charity and Social Service: Helping the needy and contributing to society is equivalent to dravyayajña.
• Self-discipline: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, fasting, and meditation are forms of tapoyajña.
• Yoga Practice: Regular practice of yoga and mindfulness aligns with yogayajña.
• Lifelong Learning: Continuous study of spiritual and intellectual texts is a modern swādhyāyajñāna yajña.
• Commitment to Good Habits: Maintaining integrity, honesty, and discipline in daily life reflects the spirit of yatayah samshitavratah.