The ritual is peace

Hand mudras are used in meditation. They redirect subtle energies and influence breathing patterns.

11th January, 2009

Warm and dry this morning. The ritual has become a focus in my practice. I am 49 years old today. [Remember that this is from 2009!]

I look at the tiny flame in its tile hut. It is protected – this protection and shelter feel important, signifying some greater protection and shelter.

The little hut for the jyoti, which remains when the flame has died, holds the feeling of care and protection by forming a triangle on the earth. Two points connect to each other, the other two connect to the earth. It’s like a mudra, an energy conductor. It is the energy of shelter, and protection, and compassion, which is also in the whole ritual. Interesting.

The flower that is placed is about giving. Not me giving, but the flower itself and its plant. It gives itself, it gives its life, just as the tree gives its whole life to the maintenance of other life. They are Vishnu, maintaining and sustaining. That is expressed in the offering, the sacrifice of giving and being given. The beauty is astonishing.

Then Shiva gradually happens, transformation, dissolution, the fading.

The incense smoke shows us the air; it makes the air visible.

The water flows down, down, into the soil, the subterranean zone, which we don’t see. The water connects us with that which is deep and unseen, softening and giving to it – a kind act.

The ritual is peace.