By performing actions as Yajna, as dedication to the Self, recognize and express your sense of appreciation and gratitude to all the Devas, the presiding functionaries of natural laws such as wind, fire etc.
By worshipping the various Devas in a spirit of sacrifice, by being grateful to all the presiding deities of the unchanging laws of nature, you recognize the Self behind all the Devas, behind all the laws of nature and natural phenomenon in this creation. Thus, through the Yajnam- by propitiating the Devas, you propitiate the Self itself.
In any sacrifice or ceremonial ritual we propitiate the Devas by offering oblations to them. It is simply a way of expressing our deep sense of appreciation and gratitude to them for the parts that they play in this creation. Whether one is grateful or not, the sun rises, the rain rains and the wind blow. But by recognizing their functions in this creation, and by expressing one’s deep appreciation and gratitude to them, one recognizes the true nature of one’s own function in this creation, one becomes an active participant in this creation, and one progressively identifies oneself with the creation and the creator – The Self, Brahman.
When you express your appreciation and gratitude to the Devas, what do they do to you? Having been properly propitiated, the Devas will protect you; nourish you by their functions. Thus, may all the laws of nature – by their own natural functions, uplift you by being an asset to you in your endeavors for gaining your overriding goal of life, namely liberation.
By doing every work as a work of sacrifice totally dedicated to the Self, everything in this creation becomes an asset to you for your own upliftment in life, for your own true progress in life, for a life of non-binding, everlasting prosperity, success and happiness, leading ultimately to Shreyas, total Fulfillment in life. Therefore, mutually interacting with each other, may you reap the supreme good, may you gain moksha.
What about the person who never says a prayer, who has no sense of gratitude, but only wants to enjoy whatever he, can get out of this world? The one who enjoys all the blessings of daily life without even a sincere expression of gratitude to the Self (Devas) who made all such enjoyments possible, is indeed a thief.
Thus in the Vedic view, every human being is meant for action as a participant in this creation. Every one’s destination is the same, namely shreyas, moksha. One reaches this destination by doing one’s Karma with the attitude of Karma Yoga – as an act of sacrifice dedicated to the Self.
In this relative world man and Devas are interdependent. They are nourished by one another. Men offer oblations to the gods; gods in return ensure men’s welfare by sending rain and other gifts. Thus a chain of mutual obligation binds together all created beings.
THOSE WHO ACT IN A SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE ARE SUPERIOR PERSONS
