358--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI--More questions on homa purnahuti

[Guest guest]

Question from Jay:

What is the significance of pouring milk to put out the fire. I have

seen in many places the hawan kund is left to burn even after the

homa is over (even we have been doing this all the while) is this

proper practice? any specific mantra for pouring milk? is the milk

poured specifically to set the fire out? and how much is normally

used..say 1 liter?

 

Swamiji's response:

We use one glass of milk. Milk stands for the ocean of

consciousness - pure, white, the absence of all colors, attitudes.

 

After the fire has purified all impurities, it is extinguished with

pure consciousness.

 

Question from Jay:

Please advise if the pouring of milk after purnahuti is done before

or after the aarti or immediately after the purnahuti mantra? .

 

Swamiji's response:

We pour the milk first, then perform arati.