A Private Goma Fire Ritual Experience
A Unique and Spiritual Journey into One of the Hearts of Japanese Tradition
- Tanukidanisan Fudo-in and the Goma Fire Ritual
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Tanukidanisan Fudo-in, a sacred Shingon Buddhist temple, performs the Goma Fire Ritual—a powerful esoteric Buddhist practice that symbolizes the burning away of worldly desires and obstacles. This fire ceremony invokes the deity Fudo Myo-o, a manifestation of the Cosmic Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai, who is believed to protect the Buddhist teachings and guide people toward spiritual enlightenment.
In the Goma ritual, offerings are cast into the flames, accompanied by chanting and prayers from the monks. The ritual is intense, with flames purifying and removing obstacles, illness, and personal desires. While the ritual is deeply spiritual, it also serves as a way to clear the path for the fulfillment of one’s wishes. It is through the fire’s cleansing power that participants can experience a profound sense of renewal.
This ceremony is not only a chance to participate in a Buddhist practice but also a way to witness the potent forces of purification and spiritual protection invoked through the flames. While the Goma is practiced in many temples, the opportunity to take part in such a sacred and private experience at Tanukidanisan Fudo-in makes this ritual uniquely powerful.
- A Rare and Exclusive Experience — Your Personal Participation in the Goma Ritual and Offering Your Gomagi
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In this exclusive experience, you will not only observe the Goma Fire Ritual but actively participate in it. First, you will write your personal prayers or wishes on a wooden plate called a gomagi. Under the guidance of the temple monks, you will then cast your gomagi directly into the flames. This act, typically performed only by priests, offers you a unique and intimate connection to the ritual.
The experience of personally throwing your gomagi into the fire is one of a kind — this is a rare opportunity, as most temples do not allow non-priests to perform this act. By participating in this sacred act, you will feel a deep sense of involvement in the purification process. As the flames rise, burning away worldly concerns, you will experience the power of Tanukidani Fudo Myo-o’s protection and the cleansing energy that emanates from the fire.
This personal connection to the ritual makes it an extraordinary moment, as you are not only witnessing the ceremony but actively shaping your own spiritual journey.
- Tanukidanisan Fudo-in: A Sacred Temple of Shingon Buddhism and Shugendo
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Tanukidanisan Fudo-in, located in the north-eastern mountains of Kyoto, is a place where the dual traditions of Shingon Buddhism and Shugendo converge to create a deeply spiritual experience. This temple has been a sanctuary for mountain ascetics (yamabushi), who have practiced Shugendo — an ancient belief system that combines mountain worship with Buddhist rituals—under the protection of Fudo Myo-o.
The history of Tanukidanisan Fudo-in dates back over 300 years to the monk Shozen, who sought solitude in the mountains to engage in rigorous training. He enshrined a stone statue of Fudo Myo-o in a cave, marking the beginning of the temple’s existence. The temple’s unique blend of Buddhist and mountain faiths has shaped its identity over the centuries, making it a rare site where both traditions are honored and practiced harmoniously.
Visitors are greeted by over 300 tanuki statues (raccoon dog figures) placed by worshippers in honor of the temple’s name before they ascend the 250 steps leading to the main hall of the temple. The climb itself offers a physical and spiritual journey, culminating in a mystical encounter with the temple’s cave, where Tanukidani Fudo Myo-o resides.
Throughout its history, Tanukidanisan Fudo-in has been closely tied to the local community. Devotees from the surrounding area have actively supported the temple, especially in times of need, and the temple's restoration in 1944 marked a significant moment of collaboration between the temple and its local supporters. This connection to the local community is a key aspect of the temple’s enduring legacy, and it continues to thrive as a beacon of spiritual practice and local devotion.
The temple’s blend of Shingon teachings and mountain asceticism creates a profound sense of harmony between nature and spirituality. For those seeking a deeper connection with both the natural world and their own inner strength, Tanukidanisan Fudo-in offers a sanctuary like no other.
- He says
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“For over 300 years, Tanukidani Fudo Myo-o has stood by the people of Kyoto, guiding them through the goma ritual.
Come experience this centuries-old spiritual practice, and witness the torch of prayer passed down through the generations.”
- Tanukidanisan Fudoin Temple
- Ryokei Matsuda
- Tanukidanisan Fudoin, a Shugendo temple deep in the mountains of Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, is known as one of the most important spiritual sites in the Kansai region. It attracts many visitors who come to pray for blessings such as protection from misfortune, success in business, victory, health, and traffic safety.