Let your new year bring meaningful connections and reasons for gratitude
Life is a Blessing – Make it an Offering
The concept of yajña (offering) is central to the deeper philosophy of life as described in the ancient India traditions. Life is a blessing in its essence. It is an opportunity for connection—through offering and meaning. The term yajña can be roughly translated as “offering,” but it is more profound, encompassing gratitude and interconnectedness.
The Five Great Offerings
The ancient sages speak of five great offerings, which are useful practices for every individual. These are not merely rituals but acknowledgement of our interconnected existence. These are five ways to connect, with gratitude, to these aspects of our life journey and our presence in this universe:
- With the forces of nature: To the divine forces or cosmic powers that govern the natural elements and sustain life.
- With our ancestors: Acknowledging one’s lineage and the debt owed to those who came before us.
- With other living beings: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and caring for animals, plants, and the environment.
- With fellow humans: Emphasizing service, compassion, and mutual support within humanity.
- With knowledge and wisdom: Honoring the pursuit and preservation of knowledge, both modern and ancient.
Each of these connections represents a dimension of appreciation of our lives, and of becoming whole. We hope this new year bring all of us the opportunity to grow our inner peace, with gratitude and connection to all these.