In this episode of “5 Minutes”, Dr. Robert Svoboda explores when to perform homa, or fire worship, and how to develop a meaningful relationship with fire.
Homa, or havana, is the worship of fire. Human beings have been interacting with fire for perhaps a million and a half years, and fire is one of the reasons we are human. It has enabled us to accomplish what we have throughout history. Dr. Svoboda believes that every human being should have a personal relationship with fire.
Some people believe that homa should only be performed as part of an anuṣṭhāna, in which a prescribed number of mantras are recited, followed by a specific number of offerings into the fire, water offerings, and other ritual actions. His teacher taught that while this is a very good practice, it is also simply good to worship the fire.
Dr. Svoboda likes to perform homa on special occasions, when he needs to focus on something, and when he is with people who enjoy singing. Fire amplifies whatever is offered into it. If you offer something positive, that positive vibration is amplified in a significant way.
The first step is to establish a practice that is meaningful and practical for you. Find a way of worshipping the fire that you can maintain consistently.
As for when to perform homa, the right time is when you genuinely feel inspired to do it—not merely on an intellectual level. The fire element within the body is centered mainly at the hara point, just below the navel. This is where the gut, the gut brain, and an important part of digestion are located. Many neurotransmitters are also produced there.
Rather than relying only on thoughts or emotions, listen to your intuition. The fire element itself can guide you toward the right moment to honor it and can also indicate whether the practice is best done alone or with others.
If you can remain focused with other people, performing homa together can be wonderful. There is satsanga, resonance, and mutual enhancement when everyone gathers with a shared intention to produce a harmonious and beneficial result.
If the presence of others is likely to distract you from your focus, it is better to perform the homa on your own. When practicing alone, there is much to be said for reciting mantras or singing devotional songs yourself. Everything you offer into the fire matters. Along with physical offerings—preferably sweet substances—you are also offering your actions. Chief among these is vāk, or speech.
You may also recite silently. Silent recitation avoids concerns about pronunciation or the quality of your voice, but if you are not accustomed to it, the mind may wander more easily. Pay attention to your own capabilities and choose the approach that best supports your concentration.
When practicing with others, unless everyone is already accustomed to silent meditation, chanting together helps the group remain united and focused throughout the homa.
Dr. Svoboda encourages everyone that, from the moment the homa begins until it ends, there should be no unnecessary conversation. Instead, maintain your attention on the fire and continue making your verbal and physical offerings with full focus and devotion.