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The Pyre

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 
A pyre is the large pile of wood (or other burnable material) where cremations traditionally took place.  Before modern methods of burial and cremation, a large stack of wood was built and remains were placed in, or under, the pyre.  

Fire is a common theme used in cleansing, purifying, and death/rebirth.  You can create a "fire" by heating your body, and focusing your mind; the physical heating of one's body becomes cleansing; your mental focus becomes the pyre.  When thoughts and emotions that don't serve you flit through your consciences, place them on the pyre and offer them up.  You can select, isolate, and focus on individual emotions and thoughts, and burn through them.  

Stressing out?......put it on the pyre

Unhappy about how things are going?....put your unhappiness on the pyre

Fearful about something you can't control or just feeling a sense of doom for no apparent reason?....put it on the pyre

Allow yourself to sit, in silence, and consider everything that's troubling you, whether it be small or large.  Then, when you've clearly identified your thoughts and feelings that are causing you distress, begin your physical practice and, as your body heats, turn your mental focus inward and hold the image of a fire in your mind.....place each of your distressing thoughts and emotions onto the fire.
 

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