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