INTRODUCTION
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Arjuna asks a beautiful question.
Arjuna asks: 'Kṛṣṇa, those who
discard the ordinances of the
scriptures, śāstras and perform
sacrifices, what is their position? Is
it sātvic, rājasic or tāmasic? What is
the state of people who don't
follow the instructions of the
scriptures, the ancient books, and
instead worship with śraddha,
authenticity according to their own
beliefs? Is it rajas, tamas or satva?
Are they in a peaceful (sātvic) state,
restless (rājasic) state or an
ignorant (tāmasic) state?'
Persevere and
See Kṛṣṇa In Everything
At another level of energy, one may
perform fire sacrifices such as yajña
or homa. These are related to the
fire energy. Typically the energy of
the fire is transferred to water pots
that are placed around the sacrificial
fireplace. This water, which is
energized by the ritual, is then
poured over idols, or sprinkled over
people or upon the earth to
energize them.
The energy of air, vāyu can be
accessed through breathing
techniques such as prāṇāyāma or
chanting of verses. In the first nine
verses of Śiva Sutra, Lord Śiva
explains these types of techniques to
Devi, His disciple.
It is possible to access the etheric energy, ākāśa through meditation, though this requires understanding and awareness.
Each form of worship or sacrifice is based upon one’s aptitude and inclination. Each of these is guided by scriptural instructions on how to perform the worship, when and where, etc.
Arjuna asks, ‘How important is it to follow these instructions? What happens when one follows one’s own inclinations and worships?’
Many Masters have followed their inclination when worshipping their favorite deity god, Iṣṭa Devatā. Scriptures never stood in their way of worship. However, these Masters were completely authentic in what they were doing. They had śraddha. That is important. Arjuna’s query is in this connection.
GOALS:
Helping the students understand
the 5 energies (earth, water, fire,
air, ākāśa). -Helping the
students practice śraddha,
having no gap between their
convictions and their day-to-day
lives.