Chapter 4, Verse 25
दैवमेवापरे यज्ञं योगिन: paryupāsate | ब्रह्माग्नावपरे यज्ञं यज्ञेनैवोपजुह्वति ॥25॥
daivam evāpare yajñaṁ yoginaḥ paryupāsate | brahmāgnāv apare yajñaṁ yajñenaivopajuhvati ||
"Some yogis perform sacrifice to the celestial gods, while others offer the sacrifice (of the self) by the self into the fire of the Supreme Brahman."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.25 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 4.25 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse begins a series describing various forms of 'Yajna' (sacrifice). Shri Krishna explains that spiritual practice is not monolithic. 'Daivam Yajna' refers to those who worship deities for material or celestial rewards, which is a valid but lower stage of karma-yoga. The higher form mentioned is 'Brahmagni-yajna,' where the seeker offers their individual identity (the 'I' or ego) into the fire of the Absolute Truth (Brahman). Here, the 'sacrificial fire,' the 'offering,' and the 'act' are all realized as Brahman itself. It highlights the transition from ritualistic worship to internal meditative realization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 4.25?
Some yogis perform sacrifice to the celestial gods, while others offer the sacrifice (of the self) by the self into the fire of the Supreme Brahman.