Five Sacred Fires

In Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gitā Kṛṣna speaks to Arjuna about karma yoga. Of the 14 different paths of karma yoga that are taught, there is one that I found most appealing: the one about honouring our 5 senses.

In the words of Ācārya, “Your 5 senses are like 5 sacred fires. Offer all objects to those fires. Offer objects as yajña.”

Ācārya explained that yajña means to entertain the different forms of energy that are seen in our body, which are like gods and goddesses. It means entertaining the inner world through different types of actions, understanding what is expected and allowing it into our system, facilitating it being felt all over our body.

“The fires should burn very well, experiencing strength and contentment. Offerings should facilitate health, the 5 senses should feel satisfied. You should know and be choosy as to which particular object you offer to the eye, or to the ear, etc.

If you do this, the 5 senses will cease activity by themselves. They will be happy and feel quiet.

Go to a beautiful natural place, being seated there view that whole place till contentment is experienced. At a certain point you will feel like it’s time to move ‘Home’. You will feel content. Immediately jump into meditation.

Each of the 5 senses will support your meditation.”