Dip Yagya Paddhati (Procedure)

It has been composed in Sanskrit Sutras rather than in slokas. Therefore, being easy in comprehension, recitation and repetition, this Sutraa paddhati has proved very popular in India and abroad. In this paddhati, the underlying philosophy has been explained below under the caption "Introduction", while the emotions, feelings and actions have been given under the heading "Procedure". These can be easily comprehended by the assembled devotees, if explained properly and briefly. It is by discreetly explaining the instructions pertaining to rites and rituals as well as the spirit behind them that the masses can be associated with a life dedicated to Yagyaiya life style. Being simple and easy, any literate, enthusiastic and interested person can learn the procedure for conducting "Dip Yagya" within 2-4 days. In this way, the movement of “Vichar Kranti” and spiritual uplift of the masses through the message of the Gayatri Mission can be spread rapidly.

Advance Arrangements

Introduction

There is a need to exhort devout persons of all persuasions to participate in the Dip Yagya. They should be made to understand that with a view to tiding over the catastrophic dangers inherent in the present-day world and in order to effectively and actively contribute towards the ushering in of the New Golden Era of Peace, Harmony and Understanding, humanity as a whole has to undergo soul-transformation and truly live a life of spiritual unity-in-diversity by gradually adopting forum of prayer and worship having universal acceptance- with common features. All faiths recognize the far-reaching effects of mass worship. Divine powers in the invisible realm are determined to restore harmony in human affairs and bring forth a Bright Future. The collective spiritual efforts through these Dip Yagyas make possible the bonding of noble human aspirations with divine powers. Therefore, all enlightened human beings of all faiths must consciously contribute their mite to achieve this noble goal.

Procedure

The significance or success of a “Dip Yagya” can not be evaluated by the number of lamps lighted but by the numbers of persons participating in it. Attempts should be made for motivation of people by personal contacts. Its aims should be explained to arouse sacred feelings and emotions in them. While in small gatherings in villages or mohallas, brief and concise expositions serve the purpose well, in larger gatherings, distribution of leaflets containing aims and objects of the Yagya is more effective. It is advisable to get a written resolution, Sanakalp Patra, from the participants to ensure their future participation. Jap or writing of Gayatri Mantra, and reciting of Gayatri Chalisa are important aids for the success of programs. The benefits of self-elevation and self-purification are so evident that people themselves would feel grateful for the opportunity given to them to participate in the sanctifying ritual.

Dip Yagya

It can be performed within a family, with a few lamps and at regional level, on larger scale with thousands of lamps. If there is enthusiasm and zeal in the participants, they may bring with them all the essential items like dipaka, incense sticks, stand, and match box etc. along with aksat (grains of rice), roli and flowers, in a plate. Dipakas, incense sticks etc. should be arranged on platforms or tables in such a manner that every one can have a clear view of the glittering lamps.

Selected volunteers as per requirement for lighting the lamps in large gatherings should be kept ready for various activities. They should be trained in advance, to perform the rituals at the proper time, in a proper manner as per instructions. The timely performance of all actions in a coordinated way enables the maintenance of continuity and makes the environment holy, solemn, delightful, pleasing and impressive. In order to make the occasion solemn and spiritually charged it would be advisable to begin the program with a devotional song or Kirtana before formally starting the Yagya ceremonies. The explanation of songs, actions, instructions and rituals should be brief, well balanced, and well monitored. Care should be taken that divine flow of Yagyaiya inspirations is not interrupted due to long explanations.

1.1 Pavitrikarnam (Purification)

Introduction

Yagya is a pious and divine act. All materials for use in Yagya should be pure and sanctified. Sanctity is, therefore, the basic necessity for attaining celestial virtues. In order to attain divine virtues and perform godly deeds, we pray with Mantras to purify our thoughts, emotions and actions.

1.2 Procedure

Sit erect. Keep both hands in the lap, close the eyes and assume meditational posture. Now sprinkle holy water and feel that purity is showering on all the participants:

The body is being cleansed Character is being ennobled

The mind is being cleansed Thoughts are being ennobled

The heart is being cleansed Sentiments are being ennobled

1.3 While sprinkling of water is in progress, the following Mantra should be chanted by the participants, with proper pauses, as given under:

(Pavitrikaran Mantra)

1.4 Now feel that we have been gifted with internal and external purity and sanctity. Pray with folded hands that:

(Sloka 1) May sanctity lead us to righteous path.

(Sloka 2) May sanctity provide magnificence to us.

(Sloka 3) May sanctity provide peace to us.

2 Surya Dhyan Pranayam 

2.1 Introduction

The Sun uninterruptedly transmits vital energy (Pran Shakti). The plants and animals derive limited amount of it. Mankind has, however, the rare distinction to receive and accumulate more and more of this vital energy by own efforts. The great men (Maha Pran) endowed with this vital energy have performed extraordinary deeds even though physically they appeared to be ordinary persons. We are also aspiring to acquire this additional vital power to build up a Bright Future for

Humanity.

2.2 Procedure

Sit erect in meditational posture. Think that white celestial clouds impregnated with vital energy are hovering around us.

Pray :

Oh! Lord of the creation, the source of Divine Vital Energy

O Maha Pran, the very breath of our being, rid us of all evils endow us with excellence.

Now repeat the following Mantra:

(Surya Mantra)

Pranayam:

Inhale through both nostrils gradually. Retain the breath inside for sometime and exhale slowly and keep outside for a while.

During pranayam feel that:

Our entire physical being is absorbing vital energy of Savita,

It is becoming vibrant

Our mind is absorbing brilliance of Savita,

It is becoming brilliant

Our heart is absorbing radiant warmth of Savita,

It is becoming radiantly warm and compassionate

We have been illuminated and enlightened both externally and internally.

3 Tilak

3.1 Introduction

Tilak is applied on the forehead as a symbol of sublimity and self-esteem. All physical actions are governed by thoughts. Body is a machine moved by thoughts. Therefore, if divinity is induced in thoughts, all actions will be sublime. We will attain self-esteem.

We, therefore, apply Tilak for attaining the virtues of calmness, coolness, brilliance and divine dignity.

3.2 Procedure

Take roli or sandal paste at the tip of fourth finger. Keep it in front and fix eyes steadily on it. Pray that divine powers may ennoble and refine our minds.

Repeat the following Sloka :

1. (Our mind may be peaceful)

2. (Our mind may not get perturbed)

3. (Our head may remain high)

4. (We may always be guided by wisdom and foresight)