iṣhṭān bhogān hi vo devā dāsyante yajña-bhāvitāḥ
tair dattān apradāyaibhyo yo bhuṅkte stena eva saḥ
iṣhṭān — desired;
bhogān — necessities of life;
hi — certainly;
vaḥ — unto you;
devāḥ — the celestial gods;
dāsyante — will grant;
yajña-bhāvitāḥ — satisfied by sacrifice;
taiḥ — by them;
dattān — things granted;
apradāya — without offering;
ebhyaḥ — to them;
yaḥ — who;
bhuṅkte — enjoys;
stenaḥ — thieves;
eva — verily;
saḥ — they
This verse talks about how certain celestial beings, known as demigods, are responsible for providing us with what we need in life—like food, health, and prosperity. Think of them as helpers or assistants of a higher power, which in this case is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu.
Now, these demigods want to be appreciated and honored for what they provide us. They are pleased when we perform specific acts of gratitude called yajnas or sacrifices. This isn’t just about giving up something; it’s a way of showing respect and thankfulness for the blessings we receive in our lives.
The Vedas, which are ancient texts that guide these practices, tell us that there are different types of yajnas for different demigods. This is similar to giving a thank-you gift to a friend who has helped you. If someone does not recognize the help they are receiving and simply uses these blessings without showing gratitude, it is as if they are stealing. Just like it wouldn’t be right to take something from someone without saying thank you or giving something back, in the same way, we should acknowledge the demigods' role in our lives.
For people who might not yet grasp the concept of a single Supreme God, worshiping specific demigods is encouraged. The Vedas suggest performing different rituals based on the qualities of the worshiper. For example, those who lean more toward wild practices, like eating meat, might be directed to worship goddess Kali, while those who wish to cultivate goodness might be guided to worship Vishnu, who represents higher qualities.
Ultimately, the purpose of all these offerings and rituals is to help us move toward a better and more spiritual way of living. For most people, it is recommended to perform at least five main yajnas, referred to as panca-mahayajna. This helps us stay connected with the divine powers and keep the balance in our lives while gradually advancing spiritually.
So, in everyday life, think of it like this: when you receive help or good things in life, it’s important to express gratitude. This can be through actions, kind words, or rituals that acknowledge those who support you, whether that's friends, family, or the universe itself.