April 2019

In this issue:

The Symbolic Body of the Buddha: The Knot of eternity

two poems

The Symbolic Body of the Buddha:
The Knot of Eternity
Rev. Master Hector van der Marel

This is the second part of a series of articles. The first part was published in the February newsletter.

The Symbolic Body of the Buddha 

THE KNOT OF ETERNITY

The red symbol on the bottom of the column of symbols is called the “Knot of Eternity.” It has neither beginning nor end. Similarly, the Eternal has neither beginning nor end. Therefore, this symbol represents the beginningless and endless wisdom of the Eternal.

Wise discernment—an aspect of the wisdom represented by the Knot of Eternity—enables us to make wise use of the conditions of worldly life. This requires an active filtering of that which is spiritually beneficial from that which is spiritually harmful. This active filtering is an essential part of the process of spiritual conversion. In its deeper meaning, the Knot of Eternity represents deep inner knowledge—a knowing with our “blood and bones.” This intuitive knowledge precedes, and is more fundamental than, any knowing of our brain: it is prajna (pra = prior, or before; jna = knowing). Prajna is the wisdom of meditation and faith.

In our body, the intestines absorb the nutrients in our food and then package up the waste for elimination. Spiritually, the karma that accumulates and is waiting to be cleansed and converted tends to build up as spiritual blocks in the intestines. The Knot of Eternity represents the process in which dark and sludgy ignorance is filtered and converted so that it is enlightened—becoming wisdom.

To be continued...

TWO POEMS
Geoff Nisbet

No Room for Me

Since every fragment of existence,

Every millisecond of our experience

Is filled to overflowing with

The Buddha Nature,

Where could a “me” possibly be?

The Gift

The world gives

Every second, every millisecond

The world gives.

The world only gives.

There is nothing but benevolence,

An overflowing generosity

Streaming from the core.

We are suffused, surrounded and buoyed by Its presence.