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VI. HOMA (Goma, jap)
Homa is the “Fire” ritual meditation. Originating in ancient
India, it was later appropriated to Buddhist use. Homa means the
burning of darkness and the term gives the image of an upsurging
flame. By this ritual, we may burn up those Karmic defilements,
which still remain within us. It is the “fire of the Wisdom of the
Buddha” which destroys all worldly passions. There is the
“Outer” Homa, which is the actual fire kindled in the ritual, and
the “Inner” Homa, that is the fire of the Wisdom of the Buddha
which we have kindled within our minds. There are five different
stages in the ritual differing according to the particular Deities
involved.
It is written in the Yoga ritual book about the Inner Fire as
follows: “When the hand creates the Buddha's Mudra, it increases
the power of sacred prayer flags and banners. It subdues the
anger of D e i t y Vajrapani, who then will accept our invitation.
One should have respect and love for the Lotus Scripture. I n
executing this ritual, all five Yoga meditation methods should be
used”.
The Outer Homa is offered to Buddha and Bodhisattva to
enhance the power of the Dharani and to bring about faster
results. One must have a heart of perfection as the basic
motivating force. The book of rituals on Homa said: “Focus and
meditate on the word “A”, imagine yourself being surrounded by
fire, which is burning off all the bad karmas, and see the woods –
your ignorance - being burned off leaving nothing behind. The
clear holy water will flow and refresh all ten directions of the
world, and it will help grow the seeds of wisdom, and the 'seed-
syllable' will be born. This is the Body of Law, the secret of
internal ritual of Homa. “