Derge Kangyur/Tengyur e-text, Esukhia/Barom edition — public domain (mechanical reproduction)
This ritual manual provides technical instructions for the performance of the pauṣṭika-homa, an enriching fire offering. The text focuses on the precise spatial and geometric configuration of the ritual environment, specifying the dimensions and shapes of the maṇḍala—ranging from one to two cubits—and the central iconography of the blazing jewel. It commits the practitioner to a rigorous adherence to these physical parameters to ensure the ritual's efficacy. The text argues that the correct execution of these procedures, culminating in the offering of the ladle and the visualization of the deity as either blazing light or the Blue-Robed One (Nīlāmbara), results in the increase of lifespan, merit, powers, and pervasiveness. By linking specific geometric constructions and meditative visualizations to tangible spiritual and material gains, the text functions as a prescriptive guide for achieving specific augmenting outcomes through the fire ritual.
Provenance
About this text
A ritual manual detailing the performance of the enriching fire offering known as the pauṣṭika-homa, the rgyas pa'i sbyin sreg gi sbyor ka belongs to the classical Tibetan tradition. The work is attributed to the Indian author Bhavapa. It was translated into Tibetan by lo tsa ba gzhon nu tshul khrims and is preserved in the Tengyur, volume ཛི, where it is situated within the Other Skillful Means Tantras collection. The text enacts a precise ritual procedure, beginning with the construction of a yellow maṇḍala of specific dimensions and shapes, such as a square or an eight-sided figure, centered on a blazing jewel. It prescribes the practitioner's attire and orientation, while detailing the visualization of the deity as either blazing light or the Blue-Robed One (Nīlāmbara). Through the offering of the ladle and the invitation of wisdom beings, the ritual seeks to increase lifespan, merit, powers, and pervasiveness. A scholar or serious reader consults this single-page text today to examine the technical intersection of geometric configuration, meditative visualization, and the prescriptive requirements for achieving spiritual and material increase within the Indo-Tibetan ritual corpus.
The text is significant for its illustration of the intersection between geometry, visualization, and the pursuit of merit within the Indo-Tibetan ritual tradition. It demonstrates how specific physical measurements and deity forms are believed to catalyze the increase of lifespan and spiritual power.
Structure
Passages
Section
Description
1-2
Ritual Setup and Execution
Instructions for constructing the maṇḍala, the intended spiritual outcomes, and the final stages of deity visualization and dissolution.
Themes
Ritual Geometry (1)
Spiritual Augmentation (2)
Deity Visualization (2)
Summary, significance and provenance note generated by gemma4:31b from the translation and the catalogue record.
Regarding the performance of the enriching fire ritual (pauṣṭika-homa): On a yellow maṇḍala, measuring two cubits, one and a half cubits, or one cubit in circumference, construct a square or an eight-sided shape. In the center, mark it with a blazing jewel. On the rim of the fire-mountain in the middle, draw a circle of jewel-vajras. Dressed in yellow ornaments and facing the northern direction, meditate on the stages of the generation process and perform the purification of the activity vase and so forth.
Use wood from fruit-bearing trees that is yellow in color and from the central part; stack it in the center of the hearth. The fuel sticks should be one cubit, half a cubit, or a finger-breadth in length, and free of unpleasant odors. After purifying with the activity vase, arrange the yellow offerings and so forth to the left, including fresh butter, yogurt, and the like. Light the fire, examine it, and purify the hearth.
As for the generation of the hearth and the generation of the fire deity (Agni): It is taught that the generation is praised by using the third of the sixth group, the second of the second group, and the first of the fifth group. The fire deity is yellow, with one face, four arms, and two legs, seated upon the throne of Indra. Having invited and dissolved him, bestow the empowerment. After performing the offerings and so forth, then present the substances for burning. At the end of the root mantra, use a ladle marked with a jewel-vajra. The detailed explanation is the same as for the pacifying ritual.
The two cycles of pith instructions and so forth are also in accordance with the pacifying ritual, with this distinction: light rays enter through the nostrils, reach the heart, and cause all the winds of the channels and the bodhicitta throughout the entire body to become clear and increase. Alternatively, the light rays [spread] throughout the entire body.
Through pervasiveness, lifespan, merit, and powers will increase according to one's wishes. Finally, one should offer the ladle and perform the praise. Having generated the deity in the form of blazing light, or as the Blue-Robed One (Nīlāmbara) at the heart, one should invite and dissolve [the wisdom beings]. Then, perform the empowerment, offerings, and so forth. After praising the ladle, perform the confession. Once the wisdom beings have departed, withdraw the meditative absorption. At the end of the seventeen-syllable mantra, perform the recitation twenty-one or one hundred and eight times. Having gathered the substances for the fire deity, perform the ritual and so forth as before. From twenty-one up to a thousand, whichever of the two applications is performed, whatever is desired will increase. Through the application of the three-session fire offering, the yogi should apply themselves with diligence. This is the second application: the fire offering for enrichment. Composed by the master Bhava, it is complete.
Translation status: Not among 84000's published translations, and not in progress there. Translations published elsewhere have not been searched for, so one may exist. (source: 84000 catalogue + registry; checked 2026-11-10).
Set in Newsreader and EB Garamond; Tibetan in Noto Serif Tibetan; Chinese in Noto Serif SC.