THE SAITO GOMA FIRE RITUAL

On September 12, 1993, a group of Buddhist monks from Tokoyo
performed the Japanese fire ritual of Saito Goma in Leiden. This
is the first time the ritual is performed in its entirety outside
of Japan.
Saito Goma is one of the most spectacular rituals of Japanese
Buddhism. By means of ritual actions and spells, which are in
fact meditation pratices, a sacred place is constructed consis
ting of an altar and a plie of 13 metres long. The monks brandish
axes and swords and shoot arrows, symbolically removing
obstacles. Next, the pile is lit, and for the spectators the
ritual reaches its climax when the monks walk barefoot across the
smouldering pile, reciting ritual spells in order to present
offerings at the altar at the other side. Finally, the public is
offered the opportunity to cross the fire, and in this way to
profit from religious merits of the performing monks.
Although elements can be traced back to Indian fire rituals
dating form the second millennium BC,the ritual in its present
form goes back to the twelfth century. It belongs to a tradition
of mountain ascetics (yamavushi), who specialize in mystic
practices in deserted mountain areas which are of old considered 
to be sacred places full of magical power. Their aim is to become
a Buddha or enlightened one in this life. The fire ritual serves
the same end. Its goal is to burn away the negative karmic
effects of human passions, which hinder man's realization of his
enlightened state. It is mostly executed as an introduction to 
a period of religious practice in the mountains, in order for the
monks to attain the state of spiritual purity necessary for their
ascetic retreat. Simultaneously, it is regarded as a gift to the
laity present at the performance, who can profit from the
purifying power generated by the ritual.
The Saito Goma in Leiden was performed by monks of the Daigoji
Sanboin school, one of the oldest traditions of the ritual. The
main celebrant was Nakada Junna, abbot of Shinagawa Temple in
Tokyo and Head of Ritual Affairs of the Diagoji Temple in Kyoto.
  
CAPTION 
The Saito Goma fire ritual for the first time performed outside
Japan at the foot of windmill 'De Valk', Leiden. Photo: H.
Kuipers.