•One particular ritual that distinguishes Shingonfrom other kinds of Buddhism in Japan is the fire ceremony, known as Goma.
•As with some other aspects of esoteric Buddhism, it can be linked to ancient Hindu practice.
•We have seen the fire ceremony as the central part of Vedic Indian ritual. In Sanskrit the fire ceremony was known as homa.
•The fire is overseen by an acharya, and it is done for the benefit of all living beings. It is said to destorynegative thoughts and energies, and to enable worshipers to make wishes.
•This is very similar to the way fire ceremonies nowadays take place in Hindu India.