The power of agni

[1]

Yogi Ashwini [1]

Agni, fire, is the first word of the Rig Veda. According to ayurveda, the various agnis in the body are at constant work, burning body fuel and along with it the body’s resources. For example, in the process of converting food into energy, the internal chemical processes affect the body’s internal organs. The heavier the food, the more the resources required to burn it and convert it into energy, and the more the body ages.

In a similar way, fast breathing, sexual acts, anger, attachment, greed, violence, sorrow and various kinds of indulgences lead to intense processing of thoughts, which utilise the body’s resources and engage the various agnis resulting in ageing. So, is there a way to make these agnis shaant, to calm these “fires”, slowing down ageing, regaining balance and
tuning oneself to the subtler frequencies? The answer lies in performing Vedic havans, which are done on a large scale at Dhyan Ashram. Fire is an element that can never be polluted. In fact, whatever goes into fire gets cleansed. This property of fire is harnessed in a havan.
In earlier times, havans were performed to cleanse the atmosphere, the samagri (mixture) and sameedha (wood) were used to release positive vibrations into the atmosphere and remove toxicity and negativity (both from the being and the environment). For the sceptic I may add that even today in the caves where sadhus live, a fire (dhuni) constantly burns.
Sadly, however, today havans have become synonymous with participants hearing mantras, often incorrectly pronounced, in a smoke-filled atmosphere. That’s not what a havan should be. Havans conducted at ashrams are such that the atmosphere becomes serene and peaceful. There is no coughing or restlessness amongst the attendees, even birds of all varieties in the vicinity come and perch upon the nearby trees. The fumes that come out are soothing and aromatic and heal people if they have any health problems.
For these results one has to ensure that the samagri, sameedha and ghrit (cow ghee) used are unadulterated. And the thoughts (bhaav) of those participating in the havan should be pure.
Lastly, the pronunciation (uchharan) of the mantras must be flawless with sensitivity to the crests and troughs. All these when combined with surrender to the Guru, ensure that the offerings made to the agni are sent in their purest form to the right dimensions, thereby bringing about the desired transformation.

Yogi Ashwini, the guiding light of Dhyan Foundation, is an authority on yoga, tantra and the Vedic sciences. Contact him at dhyan@dhyanfoundation.com