Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 28

English Translation

Similarly, others are performers of sacrifices through wealth, through austerity, through yoga, and through study and knowledge; others are ascetics with severe vows.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on [Bhagavad Gita] 4.28: *'Yatayah Samshitavratah'* — Non-violence (*Ahimsa*), truthfulness (*Satya*), non-stealing (*Asteya*), celibacy (*Brahmacharya*), and non-possession (*Aparigraha*) are these five *Yamas*, which are called *Mahavratas* (Great Vows). These *Mahavratas* are highly extolled in the scriptures. Their primary objective is for a human being to turn away from worldly attachments. Practitioners who observe these vows are called *Samshitavratah*. Those who are firm in the vows or rules governing the observance of the four *yajnas* mentioned in this verse are also *Samshitavratah*. Because of their persistent effort in performing their *yajna*, they are called *Yatayah*. *Samshitavratah* is not considered a separate *yajna*. *'Dravya Yajnah'* — Building wells, ponds, temples, and rest-houses for the welfare of society, and providing food, clothing, and medicine to the poor, constitute *Dravya Yajna* (Sacrifice of Material Possessions). *Dravya Yajna* is accomplished by selflessly dedicating material possessions to the service of society. A *yajna* can be performed with what we possess; there is no need for more. The Lord does not expect more from us than our capacity. *'Tapo Yajnah'* — Cheerfully enduring difficulties that arise in one's duty is *Tapo Yajna* (Sacrifice of Austerity). Observing fasts for public welfare, practicing silence, etc., are also *yajnas* in the form of *Tapasya* (austerity). But the greatest *Tapasya* is not to deviate from one's duty, no matter what the circumstances. *'Yoga Yajnah'* — Here, *Yoga* means peace of mind. That is, remaining equipoised in the accomplishment or non-accomplishment of a task, and in favorable or unfavorable circumstances. The absence of agitation, attachment and aversion (*Raga-Dvesha*), joy and sorrow (*Harsha-Shoka*), pleasure and pain (*Sukha-Dukha*) in the mind is *Yoga Yajna* (Sacrifice of Yoga). *'Svadhyaya Jnana Yajnah'* — Studying and reflecting upon scriptures like the Gita, Ramayana, and Bhagavata, and studying one's own inclinations (*vrittis*) and life, constitute *Jnana Yajna* (Sacrifice of Knowledge). At the end of the Gita, the Lord has stated that whoever studies this Gita will worship Him through *Jnana Yajna*. This means that the self-study (*Svadhyaya*) of the Gita itself is *Jnana Yajna*. Striving to understand the profound meanings of the Gita is this *Svadhyaya*-form of *Jnana Yajna*.