Yagnya (Fire Ceremony)

Yajnya: Agnihotra, the Smallest Form of Yajnya based on circadian rhythm corresponding sunrise and sunset.

Yagnya is the first aspect of Five Fold Path of life.

The ancient science of bioenergy given through the Vedas states that there are numberless billions of solar systems of which our planet is a tiny speck. The layer of useful atmosphere surrounding our planet Earth is very thin. Any change induced in this layer of atmosphere automatically leads to a corresponding change in PRANA, the life energy that pulsates through us all and connects man with the cosmos. Prana and mind may be taken to be like two sides of the same coin and hence, a change in the atmosphere is automatically transposed to the realm of the mind. The Vedic science of Yajnya states that the mind is affected by rhythms of nature corresponding to the undulations of our planet. Yajnya is a process based on biorhythms in which man is a prisoner. Various rhythms of nature corresponding to the rotation of the Earth and other cosmic objects affect the human body and mind. Burning specific organic substances into the fire and uttering certain Mantras under the conditions of certain rhythms of nature produce a specific mind and the mind becomes tranquil. Our happiness depends on the reactions of the mind and hence, Yajnya is an AGNIHOTRA and is the smallest form of Yajnya based on one circadian rhythm corresponding to sunrise and sunset.

The following was revealed in 1974: AT SUNRISE THE MANY FIRES, ELECTRICITIES, ETHERS AND MORE SUBTLE ENERGIES EMANATING FROM THE SUN EXTEND ALL THE WAY TO THE EARTH AND PRODUCE A FLOOD EFFECT AT THOSE COORDINATES WHERE THE SUN IS SAID TO RISE. IT IS AWESOME. THE FLOOD ENLIVENS AND PURIFIES EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH, DESTROYING WHAT IS IMPURE ITS WAKE. THIS TORRENT OF LIFE-SUSTAINING ENERGIES CAUSES ALL LIFE TO REJOICE. AT SUNRISE THAT MUSIC CAN BE HEARD. THE MORNING AGNIHOTRA MANTRA IS THE ESSENCE OF THAT MUSIC. IT IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL SOUND OF THAT FLOOD. AT SUNSET THE FLOOD RECEDES.

Thus, the burning of specific substances and uttering of Mantras are to be synchronized with the timing of sunrise and sunset. This, in short, is Agnihotra, the smallest Yajnya which anyone in any walk of life can practice with a little effort. The fire is to be prepared in a copper vessel which has a pyramid shape. The metal itself, as well as the shape, have an effect on the subtle energies which induce a change in the atmosphere leading to a beneficial change in the mind. Agnihotra is a great material aid to unburden the mind and you begin to feel free. THIS LEADS TO CONTENTMENT IN LIFE SINCE A PUSH IS GIVEN TO THE MIND TO REACT WITH LOVE.

Agnihotra is also a process of fumigation that affects the intensity of pathogenic bacteria. Agnihotra atmosphere gives nourishment to plant life. Within three weeks you can notice the effect on plants if they are kept in a room where Agnihotra is practiced regularly. Agnihotra atmosphere results in better absorption of the sun's rays by the water resources on Earth. Thus, the energy cycle of the planet is kept in rhythm.

Pollution in the atmosphere has a dastardly effect on the human body and mind and hence we witness so much misery despite material plenty. Agnihotra puts the whole process in reverse gear and you feel free and happy. If you practice Agnihotra you might very well say goodbye to psychiatric troubles. When the tension in the mind is lessened, one-pointedness of the mind is achieved. Hence, Agnihotra is a great material aid to happiness. Our breathing is connected to the phases of the moon. A definite change in breathing rhythm takes place exactly at sunrise. If you are in bed at sunrise the change may not be as nature has planned it. The practice of Agnihotra automatically ensures that the change in rhythm will be in tune with nature. This avoids disharmony in equilibrium and thus proneness to disease is lessened. The practice of Agnihotra leads us to a happy state of mind and we automatically begin to experience more love. Anger and envy are lessened. What cannot be achieved by reading several books or listening to several sermons is achieved in a short time by the performance of Agnihotra. Agnihotra makes you a better person in your family. The reason is simple. It is the transformation of the mind. Agnihotra is an exact technique for psycho-physiological victory over passion and greed. Thousands of families all over the world on every continent are practicing Agnihotra. Automobile pollution, pollution due to exhausts from factory chimneys, water pollution, noise pollution, nuclear radiation, and much more have terribly disturbed the useful layer of the atmosphere around our planet. Many species of birds and fish are disappearing. All plant life is unhappy. The ancient science of Vedic medicine called AYURVEDA states that if the atmosphere is starved of the nutrients which result from YAJNYAS we experience baneful changes in the atmosphere, the seasonal cycle is disturbed and the medicinal qualities of plants deteriorate. AYURVEDA comes from ATHARVAVEDA where the science of bacteriology is given. Modern medicine is slowly veering towards the Vedic science of medicine and a growing awareness that health is influenced by a subtler force of which it knows little. Many biological activities correspond to the rotation of our planet around the sun. This leads to undulations in intensity regarding performance ability. Manic depression, hypertension, and several other disorders are influenced by changes in biological activities that come about due to undulatory planetary cycles.

Agnihotra is based on one such cycle called a circadian rhythm (rhythm around a day). The specific conditions of nature at the critical points of sunrise/sunset, the effect of burning specific substances in a vessel of prescribed metal having a prescribed shape and size, and the utterance of specific vibrations have a combined effect on the atmosphere. This affects our biological functioning and gives a push to the mind in the direction of LOVE. If practiced regularly as a part of the Fivefold Path it improves meditation. Then the stage comes when no special meditation sittings are necessary. All the reactions of the mind spring forth from LOVE.

Today we notice that there is more disease despite advances made in the science of medicine. There are more cases of cancer, leukemia, and respiratory ailments. We see old diseases in new forms and new diseases which defy solutions. Pollution in the atmosphere disturbs the functioning of PRANA and since PRANA and the mind are like two sides of the same coin the disturbance is transferred to the realm of the mind. We witness that two honest, intelligent, good-intentioned people find it difficult to get along together. There is more quarreling, alienation, and disorder in family life. Psychiatric clinics crowded with patients are a testimony to this. The practice of Agnihotra means goodbye to psychiatry.

Mind is a subtle matter and Agnihotra gives a push to the mind to function in the direction of love. When our car is stuck in mud we need something to pull or push it. The mind is in the grooves of habits (repeated actions) and the practice of Agnihotra enables the mind to get out of them and absorb new reinforcers of TAPA. By the practice of Agnihotra, you will experience how your anxiety and tension become less and how you are catapulted into a state of joy.

This makes the journey on the Path of Light facile.

-- from works of Shree Vasant Paranjape Guruji Perform Agnihotra and believe your own experience...