Sacrifice comes from the word sacred, and in one of the ancient wisdom literature’s there’s a mention about how nobody can live peacefully without some kind of sacrifice, some austerity in their life.
The term ‘austerity,’ conjure images of stern monks, impossible disciplines, and self-denial, however, austerity is not about severe asceticism but about doing something that leads to spiritual fulfillment.
Welcoming Austerity Brings About Change a Heart
A new program in one of the state prisons in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil enlists inmates in pedaling stationary bicycles, specially equipped to generate usable electricity. The electricity that each convict produces is exported to a popular city park outside the prison, where it illuminates the peripheral streetlights.
Not only does the electricity support the community, but when the prisoners volunteer for this task, the prison warden reduces the length of their prison sentence according to the number of hours the inmates cycle.
This idea was well-received by the inmates, not only because they could reduce their sentence, but because they were eager to contribute to a cause larger than themselves, feel useful, and experience a sense of connectedness to the free world outside the prison walls.
The Wheel of Sacrifice Provides Relief in the Material World
In the wisdom literature, we’re offered an opportunity for relief by doing special sacrifice; it’s called pravartitaṁ cakraṁ, the wheel of sacrifice. The world is set up so that by doing some sacred work, taking some trouble to do good for others, we can connect to the Supreme through a little bit of austerity.
Living beings in the isolated darkness of the material world are often compared to prison inmates, and we can think of our material existence as a form of incarceration.
Much like the prisoners in Rio, we can connect to something larger than ourselves, earn a sense of fulfillment, and experience a peaceful feeling from small daily service to others through acts of sacrifice.
Engaging in sacred work, performing acts of kindness, or adhering to certain spiritual vows – these actions are forms of austerity that can provide relief and fulfillment.
The Power of Sacrifice
The practice of austerity or sacrifice is a powerful way to connect to our higher selves, to the Supreme, and to the community at large. Sacrifice is not about self-deprivation or extreme asceticism, but rather it’s about engaging with the world around us in a meaningful, spiritually-aligned manner.
Sacrifice is a form of service, a form of service that illuminates our path, and contributes light to others’ lives, much like the prisoners pedaling to light up the park.
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Source: https://vaisesikadasa.com/en/how-to-find-fulfillment-through-austerity-and-sacrifice/?
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