Fire Puja
One of the most powerful practices in retreat is the fire puja done at the end. A purification practice to burn away all the negativities and obscurations of the past as well as the present, the puja has a clarifying and uplifting effect on the mind. Casting the negativities into a sesame seed scorpion, which is then slowly disassembled part by part and gently thrown into the fire, one gets a sense of starting over with a clean slate. All the members agreed it was a wonderful ending to a fruitful retreat.

Kevin puts the finishing touches on the scorpion.

The scorpion is ready for the fire puja.

A simple altar with Dorje Khadro, one of the Buddha’s wrathful aspects at its center, is assembled near the fire pit.

Cedar, a fast, hot-burning wood with a wonderful scent, is used for the fire.

Kevin lights the fire.

Jampel and the sangha gently toss the sesame seeds into the fire as they recite a mantra of purification.

The group loves singing “Star Spangled Compassion.” Click here to see the video.

A group of happy humans with very precious human lives pose in the bright sun and snow.
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Venerable Chodron |
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Venerable Tarpa |
Venerable Semkye |
Jampel |
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Kevin |
Barbara |
Nan |
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Natalie |
Kellyjoy |
Kathleen |
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Sherran |
Alec |
Dallas |
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