The practice of Kurukulla is a high-level tantric practice, with a relatively high threshold. This high threshold means that one must have received the high-level tantric empowerment and have a complete recitation of the basic mantras to participate in Kurukulla ceremonies. The number of participants in Kurukulla ceremonies is relatively small because those who haven’t received the high-level tantric empowerment cannot attend; this is mandatory. Whether it’s the preceding confession, merit-making, observation, or entering the mandala, these rituals must be performed correctly to participate in the ceremony. If it’s just a preliminary connection, and the rituals aren’t performed correctly, it’s fine.
Many places offer Kurukulla empowerments, and fire offerings are not as strict. Preliminary empowerments, whether in visualization, offerings, or rituals, are less complete. For example, in a preliminary fire offering, only mantras are recited and offerings are made; other aspects like visualization, rituals, mandala, clothing, and lotus crowns are not required.
Of course, for those with meditative abilities or accomplished mantra recitation, these external rituals are unimportant and can be omitted. However, for those without such abilities, these external rituals are very important. When Langga Rinpoche performed the initiation, he covered his head with a red cloth. During our first initiation, we didn’t have the Five Buddha Crown, so Langga Rinpoche requested that it be custom-made along with the tools for the fire offering. Therefore, what you see here isn’t particularly interesting; it’s part of the tantric ritual. Our ceremony today uses a very complete ritual.