Altar of Fire Discussion Questions & Answers Flashcards
What does agnicayana mean?
The piling up of Agni
What does the patron of the sacrifice (yajamana) gain from sponsoring the sacrifice?
Strength, wealth, children, immortality.
At the beginning of the film we see an interaction between a student and teacher (perhaps a son and father). In this interaction the student is reciting a mantra while the teacher manipulates his head. What do you think is being taught via this mode of instruction?
- Proper pronunciation/pitch/rhythm/tone of the Vedic mantras.
- Mantra = sacred sounds/words/phrases
- Its not just the words but how they are recited that is essential for a successful sacrifice.
Discuss some of the symbolism found during the various portions of the sacrifice.
- Who is the altar identified with? Agni, Prajāpati (Puruṣa) and the yajamana
- Consider the shape of the altar: the shape of a bird.
The head of the bird is facing in the direction of heaven
Offerings (and the yajamana himself) are carried to heaven by the altar.
-Sitting on the animal skin with hands closed – symbolic of being in the womb of his mother. Symbolic rebirth (this is the consecration of the the yajamana).
It is said the yajamana gains something from drinking soma, what does he gain?
Immortality – goes up to heaven.
Remember, this is not mokṣa as this concept did not emerge until the Upaniṣads.
What is symbolically being constructed during the assembly of the altar?
Prajāpati is being reborn/recreated/reassembled. The sacrificer is also being reborn/renewed.
At the end of the film we see that the altar and the temporary enclosure that surrounds it are destroyed via fire. In thinking about your answer for the previous question, what could this destruction symbolize?
The destruction of Prajāpati from which all of the universe was created.
What does this sacrifice do for the cosmos?
Regenerates the cosmos/upholds cosmic order.
