HOMA
The wisdom fire
A sacred fire offering — prayers, substances, and aspirations offered into a consecrated flame and carried, as smoke, toward the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma Protectors.
01 — THE FIRE OF WISDOM
At Veil Parasol Temple, Homa is performed within the True Buddha School lineage transmitted by Living Buddha Lian-sheng, drawing on centuries of tantric Buddhist practice. The fire of Homa is not the fire of destruction — it is the fire of wisdom, a transformative flame that consumes obstacles, purifies negative karma, and turns offerings into nourishment for enlightened beings.
Each Homa is centred on a specific deity. Through visualization the master and assembled practitioners merge with the deity’s mandala; through mantra, speech becomes one with the deity’s blessing; through mudra and offering, body and intention join the rite. Practitioners attend with personal aspirations, which the collective focus of the sangha gathers into a single field of merit, dedicated at the close to all sentient beings.
THE FOUR FUNCTIONS
Drawn from classical Vajrayana
Pacifying
Removes obstacles, illness, and disturbance.
Increasing
Augments merit, longevity, wisdom, and the resources to support virtuous activity.
Magnetizing
Draws favourable conditions and harmonious relationships.
Subjugating
Transforms powerful negative forces into the service of the Dharma.
THE OFFERINGS
What enters the flame
The substances offered into the fire — grains, ghee, flowers, fragrant wood, white sesame — each represent particular qualities such as sustenance, purification, and the removal of specific obstacles. As they enter the flame, they are received by the deities and returned to the supplicants as blessing.
THE RITE
Consecration of the fire
Practitioners take seats facing the consecrated fire altar in modest, respectful clothing. The officiating master purifies the space, invites the presence of the deity, and consecrates the fire kindled with sacred wood.
Offering into the flame
The assembly joins in chanting mantra and prayers of supplication while the master places offerings into the flame in measured sequence. Donors may submit names of those for whom they wish to pray.
Receiving the blessing
The most important offering is not what is placed into the fire, but the openness of body, speech, and mind that allows the blessing to be received. With repeated attendance, the rhythm becomes familiar.
02 — COMMON QUESTIONS
Can newcomers attend a Homa?
Yes. Newcomers are welcome and no prior preparation is required. The temple provides texts and quiet guidance as needed — approach the ritual with sincerity and respect.
Can I submit names for prayers?
Yes. Donors may submit the names of family members in difficulty, deceased relatives, or those in need of protection; these names are dedicated during the ritual.