How to Use Bhasma for Purification and Awakening
By Briya Freeman
What is bhasma?
Bhasma is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘sacred ash’ that comes from a fire ritual (homa).
Bhasma also means literally means ‘disintegration’. Through the process of disintegration or transmutation that occurs in a fire ceremony, the residual substance is infinitely more refined and pure than the original matter. Through the process of disintegration, we uncover the essence behind matter, devoid of all impurities.
In the same way, the ashes coming from a fire ceremony represent the part of ourselves that has been purified or revealed through the process of inner transformation.
Bhasma is also called ‘vibhuti’ meaning “glory, spendor or divine manifestation” – as it is said to give glory to one who applies it by purifying the person, and to thereby protect the wearer from ill health and evil.
Bhasma is really that which burns all illusions and paves the way for the intuition of the inner self. The ashes are only an external and gross symbol of the process.
In the yogic tradition, the Great Yogi Shiva – who is considered to be the father of Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra – is often seen with his whole body covered in ash. Using sacred ashes in spiritual practice reminds us of detachment, our transcendence and our eternal nature.
Why use bhasma?
The application of bhasma (sacred ash) in the triple meditation practice supports our purification in the physical, subtle and causal realms.
As with the preparation of bhasma, we are working with a similar process of disintegration in our daily practice of triple meditation (tattwa shuddhi). We are using this tantric practice to uncover the essence responsible for the body-mind, and all its subtle manifestations.
As we have studied, there are many stages which we have to pass through to experience our own purification and to experience inner freedom. This includes the practices of contemplation, self-inquiry, concentration, meditation, and withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana) through which we gradually come more into alignment with our essence or true nature.
The application of bhasma represents a process of inner awareness which takes you from matter (earth bodies), through karma (soul bodies), to vibration and illumination (spirit bodies). At the same time, the use of bhasma reminds us of the transience of life, as in the Bible reminds us: from “dust to dust, ashes to ashes,” reminding us that all things must return to earth from which it came.
Bhasma in Ayurveda
Bhasma is widely used in India and in the Ayurvedic system of healing, one of the oldest and most profound medical systems for the rejuvenation of life.
Bhasma can be made from gold, silver, copper or any other metal with curative properties. In this practice, we are using bhasma prepared with cow dung. Cow dung has many uses in India, and is used for healing from many ailments. Upon scientific analysis, it has been found that cow feces is free from virus and infection, and also contains germicidal properties.
The application of bhasma made from cow dung has benefits not only in our physical but also in the subtle and causal realms of consciousness, and to help us purify the senses. The application of ashes often leaves the seeker with a deep feeling of being cleansed, calm and purified. On a spiritual level, it is said to attract the higher forces of nature.
It is said that the ultimate effects of using bhasma cannot be fully conveyed through words, but have to be experienced for yourself.
How to use sacred ash
To the third eye: Apply on the forehead as a dot on your third eye. You can do this before or after your meditation practice, or anytime you want to calm and purify your mind.
On the body: We also see yogis who rub ashes all over their bodies, or apply ash to certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc.
Taken internally: You can ingest a pinch of bhasma to help strengthen and detoxify the body.
With ghee, taken internally: Mix the ash with ghee. Ghee is an excellent medium to transport subtle healing substances to the exact location of the disease. Mix one part Agnihotra powder with nine parts ghee by weight. This ointment can be used externally for various skin problems. Internally, it is good for heart conditions, kidney problems, etc.
As an ointment: Mix one part agnihotra powder with nine parts ghee by weight and rub the ointment externally over the affected organ is also quite beneficial.
For an energy bath: put one tablespoon of Agnihotra ash into the bath. Putting a pinch of Agnihotra ash in your body lotion gives energy.
As a skin scrub: Add 1-2 TBSP triphala powder, 1 pinch of bhasma and a few drops of water. Go in the shower and scrub your face and body with this mixture. Shower as usual, or do your self-massage before or after.
In your massage oil: add a pinch of bhasma to your massage oil and massage into your body.
Water charged in a copper vessel: Put a tsp of ash in a jug of water. Stir around and let it settle. Allow the ash to charge the water overnight, or for 1-3 days. Drink this water throughout the day, adding more water and ash every now and then. The jug needs to be of glass, ceramic or copper (not plastic or metals other than copper).
I hope you enjoy this beautiful practice.
About the Author
Briya Freeman has been creating spaces for healing and spiritual awakening since 2011. She is passionate about exploring the potentials of human consciousness in a way that unites and transcends global culture. Her background includes 20+ years of study and practice in hatha yoga, Ayurveda, Breathontology, meditation, bioenergetics and shamanism.
As a teacher, she is known for an approach that is down-to-earth, intuitive and deeply seated. She can be reached at hello@briyafreeman.com
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© Briya Freeman, Inner Mysteries School, 2024.
Reference: Tattwa Shuddhi, The Tantric Practice of Inner Purification by Swami Satyasangananda Saraswati.
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