Vedic wisdom recommends not to blow at fire or blow out candles.
Fire, known as agni in sanskrit, is considered a Divine force, thus it would be offensive to blow at agni and blow residues of saliva into the fire.
On the relative level we have the fire element, which is one of the five great elements that make up the universe and life itself. Agni expresses itself here in the form of sun and lightning, a bonfire to keep us warm and cook us food and candles in prayer rooms and on birthday cakes. On the relative level, when we offer respect and gratitude to agni, we reciprocally receive its warmth with greater presence (it’s subtle, but the fire will actually be more attentive to you when you are attentive to it).
Especially when agni is lit during ceremonies in the form of a prayer candle or lamp, for smoking ceremonies, homa or yagya, the flow of attention and procedures offered by those doing the ceremony uplifts the fire to the status of a Divine Being (Agni Devata), so especially in these cases, we should show extra respect to agni.
On a physiological level according to Ayurveda, agni is responsible for the transformation and metabolic processes of the body. The main agni of the body is in the stomach, known as jaṭhara agni or “digestive fire”, but there are many other agnis like:
In the eyes (ālocaka pitta) – that which transforms and metabolises what is seen
Within each body tissue (dhatu agni) – a metabolic processor within each tissue (lymph, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone-marrow, reproductive tissue) that metabolises nutrients from digested food for that tissue, creates waste products from that essence of food, and circulates extra nutrients to other tissues
That which transforms and processes each of the five elements that enter inside the body (pāñcabhautika agni)
Agni of life-force (prana) – operating from the lungs and heart to process proper oxygen and carbon-dioxide balance and optimise circulation
In the mind – our ability to digest sensory impressions
Within our intelligence (buddhi) – our capacity to discern, discriminate and operate from a higher and more expanded intelligence, as well as intellectual power.
Chit agni – the flame of awareness that dwells in the spiritual heart. Our drive and capability to transform and expand our individuality into our universality.
On a comic level, we have the Supreme Agni, the the immortal agni that is beyond all existence. The pure light that upholds the eternal truth that everyone and everything is Pure Absolute Bliss (Sat Cit Ananada).
BLOWING AGNI IRRITATES VATA AND DIGESTION
When we understand the key Ayurvedic principle that “every single thing is made up of the five elements” (“Sārvam Dravyam PāñcaBhautikam”) and that “as it is in the human physiology, it is in the universe” (“Yatha Pinde Tatha Brhmānde”), we understand and experience that if we variably blow air to fire, it will not only creates an irregular and unstable flame, but also an irregular state of digestion.
In Ayurveda we call this (viṣama agni), when the digestion becomes irregular and unpredictable because the vāta doṣa is disturbed. Appetite is irregular, bowel motions are irregular (not on time and shifting between loose and constipated), and the gut becomes dry.
Alternative Ways to Put Out a Candle
Fan it out
Use a flower to gentle suppress the flame
Put a lid on the candle
