# The meaning of sacrifice
*Sacrifice (yajña) is an essential part of human life prescribed in the Vedas for pleasing the Supreme Lord Vishnu. In previous ages, elaborate fire sacrifices were performed, but in Kali-yuga such rituals are impossible to execute properly. The Vedic scriptures therefore prescribe the sankirtana-yajña — the congregational chanting of the holy names — as the most effective sacrifice for this age.*
## All Sacrifices Are Meant for Satisfying Vishnu
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## Sacrifice Produces Rain, Food, and Prosperity
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## Chanting Is the Sacrifice for Kali-yuga
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## The Best Sacrifice Is Distributing Krishna Consciousness
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## Sacrifice with Knowledge Is Superior
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## Pure Devotional Service Transcends All Sacrifices
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## From the Index
- [[index/entries/sacrifice|Sacrifice]] — Yajña
- [[index/entries/yajna|Yajña]] — Sacrifice to Vishnu
- [[index/entries/chanting-hare-krsna|Chanting Hare Krishna]] — The yuga-dharma