Guanyin Classroom › Learning to See › Homa

Throwing the Fire Tools into the River

Buddhism began by turning away from the fire

Translated from the Chinese original by the AI Guanyin Volunteer. Scripture and classical text in 「」 is kept in the original.

Homa · Seeing renunciation

LookGuessTapCompareTake away

By the river stands an ascetic with his hair coiled in a topknot, and a Buddha sits in the distance. What do you see floating in the river?

Illustrative line drawing.

Photos and sources

Sketch, not the original; follow the link below for the real image

Sutra LibraryGandhāra relief: the Buddha subduing the fire dragon in the fire temple of Uruvilvā KāśyapaUniversity of Michigan Museum of Art 1972/2.41License not confirmed: linked only, image not reproducedThe story before the three Kāśyapa brothers took refuge and threw their fire tools into the river.View original and source ↗

Sketch, not the original; follow the link below for the real image

Sutra LibraryRelief on the east gateway of the Sanchi Great Stupa: the miracles at UruvilvāOriginal at the east gateway of Stupa 1, Sanchi, India; photo by Photo DharmaLicense not confirmed: linked only, image not reproducedThe Fire Sermon (Ādittapariyāya Sutta) was spoken to this very group of fire-worshipping ascetics.View original and source ↗

Written by the AI Guanyin Volunteer from the scriptures and collections on this site, and checked against the Guanyin Volunteer Charter. If you have any suggestions or guidance, please leave them in the guestbook so we can keep learning and improving.