The root of all creation is food or grains, in other words, all beings are evolved by food (by taking food, we create blood and through blood we create semen, through which all creation takes place). Production of food is dependent on rain and rain is brought about by sacrifice (the offerings given, merges with the Sun Lord and then rain comes down by the Sun Lord). Yagna is rooted in prescribed action or karma. By this way, karma has been described as the foremost in the life.

The prescribed action created by nature is in turn transformed by the Supreme or God. God in the beginning created space, then air, followed by fire, water and finally the earth. Through mother earth, medicinal herbs and plants were produced which in turn produced food which is the cause of all life.

In other way, the whole universe is manifestation of the yagna (fire sacrifice). This universe is based on the philosophy of the karma. Universe is the Prakriti (nature) or Maya. The Supreme is manifested in nature and the creation of life continues forever.

The three attributes (sat - positive, raj - neutral & tam - negative) in the five elements (space, air, fire, water, earth) are responsible for running of this universe in orderly form. This theory was expounded by ancient Rishi-Muni thousand of years ago which is now accepted by modern science. The basic building block of matter is an atom. An atom comprises of positively charges protons, negatively charged electrons and neutral neutrons.

Life is full of sorrow. There are remedies to get rid of these sorrows. First it is essential to purify self and the atmosphere. when purification is done, one can hold the possitive energy or shakti to perform good karma. Several methods are prescribed by the ancient Rishis – out of them havan is the most powerful remedy. through havan one can awake the inner as well as outer spirits. By the Mantra chanting the devi-devtas awake. This is considered the most powerful way of self purification.

The all prevading infinite is present in Hawan. Variety of herbs and other things go in the havan-samagri (sacrificial material), which represents our inner self, such as: Ghee = Soul; rice = mind; sesame seeds = destiny; sugar = desires and many more. When we offer them in a way we are offering ourself for purification. This is the demand of nature that we should keep ourself purified for a healthy and a happy life. Non followers of the law and orders of nature have to suffer. In other words havan is a blessings, which is necessary for hapiness, food and good health.

The importance and the rituals of Hawan has been passed on generation to generation through the tradition of Guru-Shisya Parampara. We are fortunate that this knowledge still exist in this world. But unfortunately today, this world is running after material gains instead of valuable spiritual. World is lost in materialistic charm. They are in illusion and their eyes are closed. It is high time for truth seeker to wake up and realize the real truth! It is possible by true knowledge which is prescribed by ancient Rishi-Munis. We are happy that VHI is blessed with the leadership and teachings of Her Holiness Sri Sri Guru Maa J Saraswati who has the key to the secret lock of our heritage. To follow the righteous path she started Havan every morning along with sunder kand path. There are eye-witnesses who had experienced many miraculous happenings by performing the Hawan at Sri Hanuman Mandir.

In VHI at Sri Hanuman Mandir the Hawan is being performed since 1984 on daily basis. A most outrageous incident recently happened at our temple. The incident was outrageous because a police officer of Hempstead disturbed Her Holiness Sri Sri Guru Maa Jyotishanand Saraswati while she was performing this sacred Hawan, and to make matters worse, put water on it.

Was he really ignorant and did not know the importance of someone’s belief? The act of putting water in the sacred Hawan (religious activities) was symbolic of attempts to prevent from practicing one’s religion freely in this country, which is constitutional right. The incidence and aftermath is described this Journal. I urge all the readers of this Journal, to join us to fight this battle against this act of sacrilege, and a bold attempt to prevent one from practicing one’s religion freely.