Holistic sacrifice

Holistic sacrifice

From Bali Post

Many of us, particularly the Balinese Hindus, understand
yadnya, or holy sacrifice, as merely making offerings to God.
Although such a perception is not completely wrong, it certainly
reflects a narrow-mindedness, as yadnya has a much broader and
deeper meaning.

Anything we do, think or speak of at any point in time with
good intentions is called yadnya. For example, a farmer who works
his land, a teacher who teaches his students, parents who educate
and guide their children, an individual who is concerned with
environmental problems, etc. -- all these can be categorized as
yadnya.

The most important thing is that yadnya should serve its
purpose -- yadnya must be holistic. By holistic, we mean that our
actions should not only be made for God's sake, but they should
also be of benefit to mankind. We must not only turn our faces
upward as an expression of surrender to our Creator (a vertical
application), but we should also direct activities for the
benefit of our fellow human beings (a horizontal application).

Holistic sacrifice should be understood as doing good and
doing the right things, and the arrow of yadnya must hit the
target. For example, it is quite pointless to send a gift to a
conglomerateur, who has everything at his disposal, but families
who have lost their breadwinners to war or violent conflicts
would appreciate help.

The true essence of the concept of yadnya is that religion can
only have a meaning and purpose in our lives if each and everyone
of us act in, speak and think of goodness, and do away with
everything God forbids.

GST. NGR. RAI SUJAYA
Denpasar, Bali