6-1-2010 Q & A - Passing through fire / 过火

Q :But, 同門 as well as those that are recently bereaved would usually "Pass Through Fire" after they've been to funeral home, mainly for cleansing or purifying! 

Would it matter then??

A: GM's article talked about Ying & Yang. There might be adverse effect to those that are recently bereaved or after birthing, because Fire is Strongly Yang in nature.

Using Great Compassion Water 大悲咒水 is a much better alternative. 

Many believed that they are 'unclean' so they need cleansing or purifying. 

Why are we 'unclean' because some relative pass away? 

Why are we 'unclean' because we attend someone's funeral?

Why the 'Unclean' & need cleansing & purifying?

In True Buddha School, GM encourages us to go chant sutra & dedicate to the deceased. This is a form of Boddhicitta.

Perception of 'unclean' is all in our mind. 

GM already said we are all Buddhas. 

Attachment to material matters cause us to act out accordingly. 

If you think you are 'unclean' then you need to clean yourself up or else.......

Your mind makes you uncomfortable because you have not done something to counteract & protect yourself.

There is no absolute Right or Wrong. 

If Passing through Fire makes you happy, by all means do it.

Because to you, it cleanses you. 

Buddha teaches us ways to live a happy life. Whatever makes you happy then do it. Of course must not be harmful to others. 

Nothing matters to one who does not have any attachment & lots of what if. 

GM said recently that : I do not want face. 我不要脸。

As long as you do not have any expectation for rewards/returns, you live a happier life. 

Expected rewards from Passing through Fire - Purifying.

I encourage tongmen to  chant GM's mantra & pass both hands through a row of candle-lights after sutra dedication at Nirvana. Purpose for blessings of good health & auspiciousness.福慧增长。These candle-lights were use as offering for GM.

In this instance, Fire is Brightness 光明。

I did vajra bell & septre blessings too. White for cleansing, yellow for health & wealth, red for good relationship, blue to suppress one's greed, ego, jealousy, & green for wisdom.

There are many ways to do cleansing. 

The most important is whether you feel you are satisfied with the method employed & it does not cause adverse reaction to you, like the clashing of ying & yang. 

To a Yogi who has cultivated to having the universe in his hands, everything does not matter any more. 

Please listen to GM closely & you get your answer to lots of queries. 

Amituofo

Lotuschef