Yukti: The Heart Fire

The Heart Fire is both a reference to the passion of the human heart and a literal kiln made of brick where ceramic objects can be made into stone.

 

This type of ceramic kiln uses only wood to create the high heat needed to make stoneware. They’ve been serving humanity for thousands of years.

 

I was first exposed to this type of firing in 1996 in Flagstaff, Az. I had no idea what to expect but I found myself surrounded by hundreds of the most unlikely people swinging axes, hauling wood, celebrating with drinks and cigars, all ages equally excited to be involved in this experience. Hundreds of pots were being slowly placed into these enormous brick tunnels. At that time I couldn’t see it for what it really was; a ceremonial dance between Earthly elements and Humanity’s creative spirit and instinct.

 

I refer to creativity here as our ability to adapt, survive, and give back praise for the Earth’s abundant gifts with meaning and beauty.

 

I had fantasized about building my own wood kiln but the task was so monumental in the areas of my skill, land resources, and financial commitment that I never thought it would be possible. So I talked myself out of the idea whenever it came up.

But the fantasy persisted.

Soon, after I moved back to my childhood home in Damascus, Oregon I received a call from my close friend and Japanese tea ceremony teacher Jan Waldmann. She asked if I would help her do a tea ceremony at a Zen meditation center in Washington under the guidance of Oki sensei. I was happy to comply. While there, Mr. Oki told me of his wood firing kiln on the property that he has been firing for 20 years. I had heard of it but had never seen it. He shared that he was needing to return to Japan and, therefore, thought it best to retire the kiln and asked if I would like to have it. To say the least I was stunned, thrilled, not believing it was happening. I waited until I heard the offer a few times to make sure I understood thoroughly, then said yes.

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I returned 2 weeks later to view the kiln. I asked Oki sensei to do a ritual to close this chapter of the kiln. He offered incense and chanted the Heart Sutra. Deep bow of gratitude. It took me and many friends with hammers, chisels, trucks and trailers over 4 months to disassemble and partially clean the almost two thousand bricks and move them to Heart Fire Sanctuary.

 

Over the past 2 years we’ve completed the Kiln Temple Roof, cleaned over 2,000 bricks, poured the concrete slab for the foundation, and cut and welded steel framing. After the heroic effort of many people in July 2021 the kiln is now complete.

It’s name is Yukti.

So much gratitude for all those who spent countless hours of hard work with open hearts supporting the realization of a dream.