Sai Inspires Apr 2, 2026

What is the inner significance of ritual sacrifices? Can everyone perform sacrifices? Our Loving Lord clearly explains to us today so that we may practice it.

The sacred and fragrant articles offered and the precious gems that are placed in the sacrificial fire are symbolic offerings which man should make in life. He should offer his pure heart and good qualities such as Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema (Truth, Virtue, Peace, and Love) to the Divine. The real spirit of giving to society and community the wealth, knowledge, and skills one possesses is the true yajna (sacrificial rite). Without the spirit of sacrifice, the performance of external rituals has no meaning. Life itself is a yajna. To make human life an oblation in the sacred fire of duties and actions is itself a yajna. To get rid of one's bad qualities is yajna. Every individual who seeks to lead an ideal life, to achieve bliss, and attain self-realisation must cultivate the spirit of sacrifice. Yajna is the means to lead one from sorrow to happiness, adversity to prosperity, darkness to light. Human life can be worthwhile only when it is based on sacrifice or the quality of renunciation. Then, life becomes meaningful, and Divinity can also be experienced.

- Divine Discourse, Oct 16, 1983