Vrindavan Bhagavad Gita Study Group

Summarized by  Yamini : We continued the discussion on different types of Yagnas. What is Yagna? For a novice Yagna might remind them of Havan Kund and the different sacrifices offered into it. As you dwell more into the spiritual teaching, you start to understand that Yagna is any sacrifice given for a higher goal. Even daily mundane actions can be turned into Yagna. Eg: Aahara Yagna, Praana/ Apana Yagna. In Praana/ Apana Yagna, you are sacrificing exhalation during inhalation and vice versa. Geeta Yagna is an example of Gnana Yagna  where we are offering sloka chanting to God. Gnana yagna is the highest form of all Yagnas. The concept of Geeta gnana yagna comes from sloka 33. Before that gruhastas were not allowed to learn about Geeta. But Gurudev changed that brought Geeta pravachanam into main stream so it is accessible to everyone. Karma yoga is also a Yagna, where you are sacrificing results of all actions to Brahman. Vedas mention more Yagnas than the 12 that were ...

Thanks to Anuji We started with our invocation prayers, followed by Pranayama and meditation. Then we recapped what we did last couple classes. We summarized about the 12 types of Yagnas and continued on. The reason we want to perform all the actions as yagna since we want to have a thankful way. Then we learn to be not attached to the results and also get to prasada budhi. Sadhana is nothing but some sort of inculcate these yagna. The prana is always misunderstood as breathing. Pranayama means breath controlling. Savasa- breathe inwards. Uchvasa- exhale. Main pranas- Pana (taking in) Apana (Letting out), Vyana (surrounding), Samana (digestion), udhana (ability to think higher). Prana when leaves- all the physiological activities are stopped. A Grihasta is required to perform 5 yagnas which help us to do the obligations or Runas to them. They are Daiya Yagna/Brahma yagna- Worshiping for deities. Swaadhaya Yagna- Self-study of scriptures. Pitru Yagna- anything done for ancestors. Bhoota...

  Class Summary of Bhagavad Gita - 11/26/2024 by Sudhaji Opening Prayers, Breathing Exercise & Meditation Detailed recap of previous class,  identifying the fire and materials being added for each Yagna. Yagna represents a ritualistic activity where there is a fire and materials being added to fire. In this context, yagna represents, "a self-dedicated activity performed in a spirit of service to the mankind".  In Chapter 4, verses 25-30, Lord Krishna describes 12 types of Yagnas, to help us realize Him in our daily activities.   Yagna Type Fire Materials being offered  (Ahuti) Daiva Istha Devatha Grains, Ghee, Mantras Brahma Supreme Truth - Brahman Ego/Self Indriya Sense organs (ears, eyes, mouth, nose,hands/legs) to the fire of control Sense objects (sound, forms, taste, smell, touch)  Samyama Fire of control - Meditation Feeding right things into sense organs with discipline along with action Dravya One who needs it Giving money, attention, time ...