The concept of Yajnachakra

[gokulkr 1]

The concept of Yajnachakra:

 

Another point that is especially stressed in the context of karmayoga is the concept of Yajnachakra. In the course of this yajnachakra it is snown how all the activities in the universe rest upon the mutual co-operation of Nature, man, deities, rituals, and ultimately God. It is a unique approach of understanding all activities in the universe in an integrated way on the foundation of the guidance and direction of God. This will eliminate our ego and pride in undertaking our activities and also eliminate our indifference and apathy in respect of our duty. We are a part of a vast set up which moves on, and we shall derive the joy of playing our little role in it in dedication to the central principle of this vast set up i.e., God, is the lesson behind the concept of yajnachakra. The main steps of Yajnachakra are as follows: From the food the embodied creatures are born, the food is born from the rain, the rains are produced by the sacrifices, the sacrifices are organized by the relevant activities of man, God enables men to undertake these activities. God is revealed by Vedas. God is everywhere and he is especially present in sacrifices. He who does not follow this Yajnachakra by performing his prescribed duty lives in vain. He has wasted his life. A correct understanding of the implication of this Yajnachakra will enable one to take an integrated view of life and correctly identify his role in life.

 

 

Karma, Akarma and Vikarma :

 

While explaining Karma, Gita talks of akarma and vikarma also. One has to clearly distinguish the action, inaction and wrong action. Vikarma is wrong action while akarma is inaction. One should not indulge in either wrong action or be inactive.

 

Actions consist of bodily actions, verbal actions and mental actions. All these are satvika, rajasa or tamasa. Yajna, dana, tapas etc, are different form of activities. There are many forms of yajnas: dravyayajna, yogayajna, svadhyaya yajna, jnanayajna etc. All these involve various kinds of activities. Thus, Gita concept of yajna is not confined to rituals only.

 

Cultivation of sama, dama etc. is as much an activity as the performance of rituals. Performing one’s varnasrama duties is a part of one’s activities. Service to the people at large in all possible ways is also one’s duty. Thus, Gita concept of karma consists of all such activities that are essential for the physical, moral and spiritual progress of an individual and society. Any slackening or abandoning of one’s duty is adharma and executing the same is svadharma. Transgr essing into some one else’s duty is also adharma.