We all learned in school that energy is a conserved quantity that can be converted in form, but not created or destroyed. Living organisms require energy to stay alive and the Earth’s climate and ecosystem are driven by the radiant energy of the sun and the geothermal energy contained within the earth. At our most fundamental level, we are all energy manifesting different realities in space time. In the Heart Sutra we chant, “all things are expressions of emptiness, not born, not destroyed.” Is energy just another word for emptiness?
All matter and psychological processes — physical, mental, spiritual and emotional actions — are composed of energy. Nothing rests alone, everything vibrates together. In early Buddhism, the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water were considered the sensory and perceptual qualities associated with the fundamental energies that make up our existence.
The Earth element represents Physical (Body) Energy – exhibits solidity. The material, practical and conservative. Physical (Body) energy symbolizes the plan of objective, quantifiable reality. It symbolizes any organized system that can be discerned in the physical plane. It is the passive receiver of the formative spirit symbolized by Fire (Spirit) energy and Air (Mind) energy. As the material manifestation of order, it establishes the support of any realization. The Body is a mirror for what appears in the physical world.
The Air element represents Mental (Mind) Energy – exhibits mobility. The intellectual, rational and verbal communication, decisive and aggressive. Mental (Mind) energy symbolizes the lightning action of communication and the righteousness of the spirit. It gives evidence and asserts authority sets the laws and defines the rules. It cuts through, in a decisive way, to open and clarify action.
The Fire element represents Spiritual (Spirit) Energy – exhibits kindling. The desire, passion, outgoing and energetic creative principle of action. Spiritual (Spirit) energy symbolizes the original impulse, the authority, the power allowing the constructive development in any endeavor. The spirit mirrors consciousness and provides insight into the core of who and what is – both internal and external.
The Water element represents Emotional (Passion) Energy – exhibits fluidity. The sentimental, romantic, social and sacred. Emotional (Passion) energy symbolizes all the mysteries of the Genesis, life, death and resurrection. It represents the universal matrix containing the essence of all life, the source of abundance and plenitude.
So now that we see our existence is potentially made up of energy constituting four distinct and inseparable aspects of our lives: Body, Mind, Spirit, Passion, how do we know where to put our attention and focus to fully manifest Buddha nature as it arises? As we chant in the Merging of Sameness and Differences, “Every sensation and realm of consciousness, intermingle even as they shine alone, interacting even as they merge, yet keeping their places in expressions of their own.”
I believe this is where meditation, specifically Zazen, can assist us.
Thoughts? Comments?
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