Mahatma Gandhi on Yajna

“...work done in the spirit of yajna, done without egotism for our higher good and for the service of others.”

“... the yajna of the swaraj movement requires the services of virtuous, fearless, simple, brave honest, and resolute men and women.”

“The term yajna can be interpreted in a number of ways but there is only one meaning acceptable to men of all faiths, and that is, to be ready to even lay down one’s life for true welfare.”

“We accept a broad definition of yajna. Yajna means any activity for the good of others...The word yajna comes from the root yaj, which means ‘to worship’, and we please God by worshipping Him through physical labour...there is no harm in enlarging the meaning of the word yajna, even if the new meaning we attach to the term was never in Veda Vyasa’s mind.”

“Yajna is not only a purifying but also a potent force for achieving spiritual and material goals. Traditionally yajna signifies communal ritualistic participation for a higher good. It represents a prototype of sacrificing for the sake of acquiring greater personal and shared benefits in the community. The Vedic sacrificial ritual is always performed for the Sacrificer’s benefit both here and hereafter.”