Any Yagna is a rite that promotes the welfare and prosperity of the whole of mankind. But, it is difficult to convince doubters and disbelievers that this is the truth. Many feel that since such Vedhic ceremonies can be performed in orthodox style, with all the Manthras uttered in correct style, only in India, their efficiency, if any, is confined to this land only, and so, they ask, how can this be beneficial in other regions where people have no faith in such rituals and hymns?
Such doubters restrict the meaning of the word, Yajna. Yajna means, "any activity dedicated to the glory of God', not merely, this activity prescribed in the ancient scriptures. Activity dedicated to the glory of God is being done, and can be done in all climes, in all realms, by all races. The 'dedication' ensures success. Without it, there will inevitably arise anxiety, fear and faction. Every activity in the world is God-directed, God-ward moving, whether you know it or not. Only one has to be aware of it and share in the thrill of that knowledge. If God is not the inspirer and motivator, how can the universe be moving in harmony, wheeling so smoothly?. Also Yajna are not only ceremonies performed in enclosures, marked out as specially holy, attended by readings and recitals from sacred texts and the chanting of Vedhic hymns, and nothing other than this. No Yajna is a continuous process; every one who lives in the constant presence of God, and does all acts as dedicated to God is engaged in Yajna. - From Swami's Divine Discourse in Prashanthi Nilayam on 11th Oct 1972. Om Sai Ram
