Goma Fire Ritual

Most Buddhist temples hold a fire ritual called goma taki every morning or in the afternoons. Temples usually hold the unique ritual in its main worship hall and is open to guests. Goma taki involves burning wooden plates with prayers written on them as the monks chant and recite their prayers. When guests are allowed to participate, they are asked to write their wishes on wooden plates which will be burned in the fire. This is believed to burn away their excess wishes and desires to achieve a simple, appreciative life. The fire is meant to destroy negative energies and purify the mind, body, and spirit. The fire burning ceremony is unique to the Shingon sect of Buddhism and is only practiced by this branch. Because of the ritual's practice only in the Shingon sect, it has become one of the most recognizable practices of the Buddhist group.

Goma Taki continues to be an important practice in Shingon Buddhism and is done each day to revitalize the mind and purify the spirit. Temples that offer temple lodging are likely to have a goma taki ritual to join in the morning before or after ajikan meditation. Add a temple lodging to your Japan tour package for a chance to see a Goma taki ritual with Japan deluxe Tours. You can also customize a private tour for a tailor-made vacation with a Goma Taki ritual while you're in Japan!