There
are five great daily sacrifices that are to be performed by every householder.
They are: (i) Brahma Yajna, called also Veda Yajna, sacrifice to Brahman or the
Vedas or the sages; (ii) Deva Yajna, sacrifice to the celestials; (iii) Pitri
Yajna, sacrifice to the manes; (iv) Bhuta Yajna, sacrifice to all the
creatures; and (v) Manushya Yajna, sacrifice to men.
The
performance of these five Yajnas is conducive to the spiritual evolution or growth
of a man. He gradually learns that he is not a separate entity or isolated
creature or isolated unit, but is a part of a great whole. He obtains knowledge
by studying the sacred scriptures written by great Rishis. He gets help from
his friends, relatives and fellow-beings. He parents gave his physical body.
His body is nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The
five elements help him. He cannot live without oxygen and water. The Devas and
the Pitris bless him. Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature. He must pay
back his debt by performing these five sacrifices daily. Further, numerous
insects are killed by him unconsciously during walking, sweeping, grinding,
cooking, etc. This sin is removed by performance of these sacrifices.
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