Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 28 (BG 4.28) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 4.28 — The Five Sacrifices **Sacrifice of Wealth (Dravya Yajna)** The word "wealth" here must be understood in its broadest sense. To invest honestly earned wealth in the service of society with devotion is called the sacrifice of wealth. It is not necessary that this consist only of food or money. The term "wealth" encompasses all things we possess — material possessions, love, and noble thoughts. To recognize the worship of the Divine and to employ our material, mental, and intellectual treasures in the service of humanity — this is called the sacrifice of wealth. Therefore, for the performance of this sacrifice, the practitioner need not be wealthy. Even in poverty, or though the body be afflicted, we can cherish the welfare of the world and offer heartfelt prayer. A single word of sincere compassion, a glance of grace, a smile suffused with affection, or friendly conduct born of the heart carries far greater significance than vast riches given by a heart of stone. **Sacrifice of Austerity (Tapas Yajna)** Some practitioners dedicate their austere lives to the Divine. There is no religion in the world that does not, in some form, teach the life of discipline and observance. These observances are undertaken to please the Supreme. All know that the renunciation of enjoyment by the devotee serves no special purpose for the Sustainer and Nourisher of all creation, the Ocean of Compassion. Yet practitioners offer these to the Divine so that they may attain self-restraint and purity of mind. Some austerities are intensely painful to the body, yet if undertaken with understanding, they can lead to mastery of the senses. **Sacrifice of Yoga (Yoga Yajna)** Yoga is the continuous effort to abandon base tendencies of the mind and to live a life of excellence. Its primary practice is the devoted worship of the Beloved Divine within one's heart. This is called meditation. When meditation is performed with selfless intention, the practitioner advances on the spiritual path. Therefore it is called yoga, and because it is performed with the spirit of sacrifice, it is called the sacrifice of yoga. **Sacrifice of Self-Study (Svadhyaya Yajna)** The daily study of sacred texts is called self-study. Without the study of scriptures, we can neither determine our goal nor understand the meaning of practice and discipline. Mechanical practice without knowledge cannot yield the desired progress. This is why all religions place special emphasis on daily self-study. Even after Self-realization, the sages spend most of their time in the study of scriptures and in deep reflection upon them. From the spiritual perspective, self-study means the study of oneself — self-examination through which we understand our weaknesses so that we may abandon them. For the practitioner, it is a means of self-development; for the perfected ones, it is an abiding in Self-knowledge. **Sacrifice of Knowledge (Jnana Yajna)** This term appears in many places in the Gita and is one of the original words employed by Vyasa. That practice is called the sacrifice of knowledge in which the practitioner kindles the fire of wisdom and offers into it the oblation of ignorance. The negation of the non-self through discrimination between self and non-self, and the establishment of the ultimate truth of the Atman — these are aspects of this sacrifice. This is what is practiced in deep meditation. **The Path Forward** The benefits of these five practices for self-unfoldment can be gained only by practitioners of firm resolve and enthusiastic effort. Mere desire for knowledge or self-development will not suffice. Only those who practice with complete dedication and unwavering continuity can successfully advance on the spiritual path. The Blessed Lord now teaches the method of breath control.