91. Study of Self
H aving ‘Fire in the Belly’ means being full of energy and enthusiasm for pursuing one’s desires, interests and duties in the physical world. When such energy is used for self-actualisation, it is called ‘yoga-agni’ or the yogic flame. In this context, Krishna says that some offer all their sense activities and the functions of life force as oblations in the wisdom-kindled yogic flame of inner control of self (4.27). In day-to-day life, we offer sense-objects like beautiful flowers and tasty food to the Paramatma . This verse takes us beyond this and says that yajna (selfless action) is offering sense activities like taste, beauty or smell themselves and not merely sense-objects. Senses keep connecting us to the external world through attachment to sense-objects and when these senses are sacrificed, what remains is unity with oneness. Krishna further says that some devotees offer as oblations wealth, self-discipline, and the methods of yoga ; while other individuals...