Tears of Homecoming

As the flames light up

So does my heart

As the melody unfolds

So does my awareness

As the river flows

So do my tears, unabashedly

And I wipe them away

As it washes away my sins

 

Cleansing, calming, cathartic moments

 

Aarti is a Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aartis also refer to the songs sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered.

Aarti is derived from the Sanskrit word ārātrika, which means something that removes rātrī, darkness (or light waved in darkness before an icon).

Aarti is said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa. In the traditional aarti ceremony, the flower represents the earth (solidity), the water and accompanying handkerchief correspond with the water element (liquidity), the ghee or oil lamp represents the fire component (heat), the peacock fan conveys the precious quality of air (movement), and the yak-tail fan represents the subtle form of ether (space). The incense represents a purified state of mind, and one’s “intelligence” is offered through the adherence to rules of timing and order of offerings. Thus, one’s entire existence and all facets of material creation are symbolically offered to the Lord via the aarti ceremony.

 

https://randomrantsruminationsramblings.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/spontaneous-combustion/