AGNI PART 1
"Awakened in the FLAME by the kindling of those who are born in the body (jana), towards the dawn he moves, who in return is approaching him as a nourishing cow. We too like the flames of light rise full of power, springing upwards towards heaven."
The very first hymn in the Rig Veda (Hymns to the Mystic Fire) Interpreted most appropriately by Sri Aurobindo (by far the best interpretations available of the Vedas are by Sri Aurobindo)is as follows:
"There is an interesting subtle association of AGNI with beings who are born here on earth in the material body. They kindle HIM from within themselves, for AGNI is their inner and innermost nature. That's why the Rishi says - 'we too rose up like the beams of the light of AGNI straight towards heaven.' This first verse makes association with AGNI completely subjective, for it speaks about us, those who are born in the material body."
Over two years ago, I embarked on my initial encounter with fire (AGNI). As a newcomer, I acquired an aluminum hawan kunda and engaged in rudimentary hawan ceremonies, devoid of any mantras or preliminary rituals. Simple offerings of ghee, wood, flowers, or occasionally hawan samagree marked these occasional homams. At that time, I was oblivious to the uncommon comfort I felt with fire. Conducting fire rituals, particularly hawans, typically reserved for priests during significant pujas, seemed natural to me. Though fire wasn't yet a familiar companion, I harbored neither discomfort nor preconceived notions about partaking in fire rituals. Fortunately, I had the necessary solitude and a separate room, lest my mother objected vehemently to the blackening of walls, ceilings, and utensils with soot.
Of course, practical challenges accompanied fire—the foremost being its burning nature, with other inconveniences such as soot, sweat, smoke, and the unpredictable response to even a whiff of air. However, with patience and a sincere effort to respect its inherent essence, these hurdles could be overcome. Genuine efforts are reciprocated by fire in kind. It may seem unbelievable, but I witnessed a novice placing her hands in fire without feeling its heat, likely due to her proficiency in fire rituals from past lives—a fortune not shared by all. Once initial apprehensions and fundamental fears dissipate, fire reveals its benevolent aspect.
I had heard that a devout ascetic lives for their fire, and an Aghori is perpetually close to flames. Each ascetic maintains their own fire, known as a 'dhuni', exclusively for themselves. This intense relationship with fire is akin to an intimate experience shared only between two individuals. After two years of steadfast engagement with fire, I've come to this realization. My attachment to my hawan kund has grown intensely; I've now acquired a sizable copper one for myself. As for my bond with AGNI? It has been nurtured over two years and hopefully will continue to evolve. Despite occasional burns resulting from carelessness, they serve as friendly reminders—akin to the nuances of any relationship, demanding attention and respect. Nevertheless, with AGNI, one cannot afford to take HIM for granted.
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