Muni's PlayBhagavad Gita Chapter 4 describes various Yajna (sacrifices / selfless actions) as spiritual disciplines to purify the mind and gain deeper realization.
Detailed Breakdown of Yajnas
| Category | Yajna Name | Performer | Offering / Oblation | The Agni (Fire) | Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brahma Vidya | Brahma Yajna | Realised Sage | Every thought, word & deed | Brahman Himself | Gita Verse 4.24 |
| Jnana Yoga | Standard Havan | Beginner (Karma Kanda) | All actions (Niyata & Kamya) | Agni Deva | Gita Verse 4.25 |
| Gayatri Havan | Beginner (Jnana Kanda) | Scriptural studies | Goddess Gayatri | Gita Verse 4.25 | |
| Brahma Yajna | One in Samadhi | Ego-sense (Jeevatman) | Brahman | Gita Verse 4.25 | |
| Samyama Yajna | One practicing Shama | Sense Organs (Indriya) | Restraint of Mind | Gita Verse 4.26 | |
| Indriya Yajna | One practicing Dama | Sense Objects (Vishaya) | Restraint of Indriyas | Gita Verse 4.26 | |
| Atma-Samyama | One practicing Uparati | Functions of Life Force | Mastery over Mind | Gita Verse 4.27 | |
| Raja Yoga | Dravya Yajna | Practicing Yama | Wealth & Desires | Renunciation | Gita Verse 4.28 |
| Tapas Yajna | Practicing Niyama | Austerities | Purification | Gita Verse 4.28 | |
| Swadhyaya | Practicing Niyama | Scriptural Study | Purification | Gita Verse 4.28 | |
| Yoga Yajna | Practicing Asanas | Yoga Practices | Self-Discipline | Gita Verse 4.28 | |
| Apara Jnana | Dharana & Dhyāna | All Thoughts | Concentration | Gita Verse 4.28 | |
| Para Jnana | Samadhi (Savikalpa) | All Vasanas | ”Brahmakara Vritti” | Gita Verse 4.28 | |
| Prana Yajna | Practicing Pranayama | Pranic Activity | Prana | Gita Verse 4.29 | |
| Ahara Yajna | Practicing Pratyahara | Restraint on Food | Mind Control | Gita Verse 4.30 |
Sources:
- 12 Spiritual Practices from Bhagavad Gita (YesVedanta)
- Jnana-Karma Sannyasa Overview (Chinmaya Mission)
See also: