Maha Yanna (Great Sacrifice) Sutta: Anguttara Nikaya 4
Uggatasharira was a Brahmin who had planned to make a Great sacrifice (maha yañña) of the 500s (―500 bulls, 500 bullocks, 500 heifers, 500 goats, and 500 rams‖), but was given good advice by the Buddha on the true sacrifice. Before lighting the inaugural fire and raising the flag post to conduct the Great Sacrifice which he thought was beneficial, the Brahmin visited the Buddha seeking his blessings. Having worshipped the Buddha the Brahmin reported the blessed one that he is about to light the inaugural fire and raise the flag post to begin the Yaga and inquired if the Buddha agrees that such rituals are beneficial and has good consequences ( mahathpala mahanisansa ). The buddha agreed that such preparations will have worthy consequences provided they are done with good intentions. The Brahmins' intention was that conducting such sacrifice was a holy act, as done in the day, which was considered beneficial to the society and ...