6 min listen
Episode 107: The Five Elements
ratings:
Length:
8 minutes
Released:
Feb 7, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Early Buddhist meditators spent quite a lot of time alone in retreat in remote, rugged areas • as a result, they were very much in tune with the the five basic elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and space • they observed that everything inside is mirrored by what is outside, and everything outside is mirrored by what is inside • we can observe these elements for ourselves, and we can emulate their qualities • the earth element has the quality of being solid, embodied, unmoving; it is connected with the sense of presence and the “thingness” of so many forms around us • the water element has a quality of flowing, cleansing, and cohesion • the element of fire is connected with warmth, compassion, and burning through obstacles • the element of wind is powerful and energetic; it is connected with movement in our nervous system, a constant energizing and moving quality • finally, the element of space is like the sky: it is vast, unbounded, open; in terms of our internal experience, it's connected with consciousness • in our lives and in our practice we can bring these elements into balance and harmony for the benefit of ourselves and all beings.
Released:
Feb 7, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
Episode 6: Letting Go with the Outbreath by Dharma Glimpses with Judy Lief