Ancient symbols are reminders of the unseen, the mystery behind our existence.  We yearn to regain a connection that will unravel the mystery. We know it’s there, we want attachment to it, yet we live our lives detached, more focused on symbols that reinforce our sense of self rather than where we came from. We favor symbols that reinforce our belief systems or provide us with a sense of power, protection or affiliation.

All religions speak of God, that God is always with us, omnipotent and part of our being, the source of our creation, the explanation of who and what we are as human beings. Yet there is another population that does not endorse the organized religion route to find that missing Universal Intelligence, this is the secular crowd that has diverse belief systems about the nature of ‘God’.

We hear of the ‘veil’ that separates us from this cosmic reality. We are told that we are one with this essence, that we are separated from our true nature by believing in an illusion that we call our ‘self’. We are kept from connecting with our true nature through signs and symbols, yet we have a multitude of signs and symbols pointing to our true nature all around us.

What makes it difficult for the ego to let go of is the belief systems that we create based on signs and symbols. Our culture relies on communication to connect with each other. Our languages are symbols of communication that we both write and speak. Written symbols in the form of letters become words that mean something. Words are symbols we use in order to communicate. We have devised this elaborate symbol system through various cultures just to communicate with one another through written and spoken words.

We use words to describe, to label, to organize and classify our environment, identities, our memories, our feelings and our thoughts. Our names we give to ourselves are symbols of who we are. I am John. That is my symbol. John is written with four letters and spoken in a certain language. But from a Buddhist point of view, I am not John. We are not our symbols. Yet we attach our sense of self through symbols and names.

We have experiences that produce memories in the form of stored thoughts that we can access from our mental storage banks. As we accumulate more and more data, we classify everything into labels. Some of these are words, some are signs, and some are pictures. Everything we experience we ascribe a meaning to it and file it away in our minds.

These thoughts that are stored are symbols that we create and form our conscious and subconscious belief systems. We attach a meaning to a name or a symbol and believe in its association. The connection between the symbol and its meaning becomes truth.

So if symbols are really not what they appear to be, that they really mean something beyond our perceptions, once we process what a symbol means whether it’s our own direct experience, our learning or cultural conditioning, it becomes imprinted into our belief systems. We simplify the overwhelming amount of information in the form of thoughts, feelings and energy by creating symbols for everything because there is no order in what the symbols represent. They are just thoughts and memories that individually have no meaning.

So we create meaning in our life by developing symbols for everything.

Those symbols that are elusive are in a whole different category from the mundane signs and symbols we use to function in society as human beings with egos still attached.

There are a set of symbols that are primordial in nature, considered sacred because they evoke feelings of connection with a realm of existence that is elusive to us. We feel connected on a level that is unseen yet felt deep within our consciousness. We are therefore attracted to these symbols. They are hardwired in our DNA. We recognize their subliminal signals. We subconsciously know that they mean something profound.

We see sacred symbols as the veil that is translucent, subtly revealing what is behind. Sacred symbols do not communicate meanings that we can put into language although we try. We formulate our own symbols in order to better understand that which we know is that essence of our being, the primordial truth that answers all of our questions. Sacred symbols tell us the answer to our most profound questions of reality, yet we cannot grasp their meaning.

Our thoughts get in the way. We tend to want to label everything. So when we see a sacred symbol that we don’t recognize – a symbol that we did not experience ourselves or learn about, we cannot find it in our memory banks. It is not in our belief system. Yet it is there, somewhere deep. And as we try to describe it, what we think we feel, in order to make sense out of it, we have no explanation, we cannot put it into words, we cannot use our familiar symbol system of language to describe it.

When we see a beautiful scene in nature or a spectacular sunset, we often describe it as ‘breathtaking’. If we choose, we could describe it in other words, but the ‘breathtaking’ symbology is by itself revealing of what we are experiencing on a level of experience that is beyond our capacity to form into language, it is more of an experience rather than the words used to describe it.

Therefore profound symbols can offer us an experience of primordial truth. Seeing beautiful sunsets and wonderful aspects of nature is breathtaking for the person who is open to that experience. In fact all of nature is quite breathtaking. We can symbolize our experience by ascribing names such as sky, clouds and trees, but the shock and awe we experience is not done justice by using those simple labels.

As we focus on those symbols that we can otherwise describe as wondrous, inspiring, awesome and mystifying, we can better understand and perceive what is behind the veil. The veil itself is what we perceive, but essence within it, or imbued in its symbolism touches our being and we feel ever closer to that which we call our God, our Creator, and our Source.

On a certain level, we recognize that we are looking in a mirror. the longer we gaze, we realize that what and who we are seeing is not who we are we are looking at the symbol which reveals the who and what we are. We just have to stop thinking in a way that is trying to ‘figure out’ the meaning of what we see. As we let go of these types of thoughts, the experience of connection, of Oneness is revealed. The veil is no longer translucent, the symbol is no longer apparent. We see beyond the symbol. We see ourselves just as we see a flower. The flower becomes a symbol of who we are. We are looking in a mirror, that we call a symbol of ‘something’.

Stated in a politically incorrect way,  Buddhism does not have you wait till you arrive in Heaven in order to claim your “reward’. Fundamentally, because there is no “you” to give it to!

The question of where did you come from and where are we going begs the question (in Buddhist terms), just who is “You” and “We”. What makes you think that you are “you”. Can you really identify your self or the “I” that you refer to? Pondering such self awareness is the purpose behind developing an understanding of your own self, or ego nature.

We are attached to this sense of self and thus experience suffering through physical and mental pain, facing change and the sense of our existence. Buddhism teaches the nature of suffering, how to put an end to it and ultimately achieve what is called Liberation of Mind (the cause of suffering).

As our identities reflect the egoic mind, desires intended to benefit the ego or your sense of self create a playing field where suffering is fully engaged. Expectations not realized lead to disappointment or circumstances change beyond your control.  The object of your desires may be subject to limitation. You may lose out if you dont act quickly. You may lose out to someone who you perceive as “better” than you. You need to fit in and go along with the crowd in order to be accepted. You avoid being rejected at all costs because that would devalue your sense of self.

The more we build up our sense of self, or our egoic structure, the more suffering and difficult life becomes. We live life the hard way, by trying to strategize, manipulate and overwhelm our perceived obstacles in order to achieve our desires. We get extremely agitated when things don’t go “our” way.

On the otherhand, we may not even try because our sense of self is not that of an achiever, self confident go-getter, but rather a broken and wounded soul whose self identity is formed from past hurts and experiences which unconsciously suppress the ego from aspirations. Instead, it seeks to confirm its sense of identity albeit in an insidious manner so that its identity of “no self confidence” is regarded as something to hold onto, and thus, giving it a (warped) sense of self.

The Ego is included with all Human Starter Kits. Around 8 months old, the human infant suddenly realizes that it is no longer One from whence it came, but a distinct person, an “I”, separate from everything it perceives.  The sense of self and the ego only builds from then on. But something happens at the same time. The ego and the human mind is programed to protect itself. It has a built sense of survival and so has fear hardwired into its brain and sensory perceptions.

Fear beyond avoiding falling off cliffs or getting burned develops into other forms of protection. Being hurt emotionally is added to the list of fearful thoughts. Unfortunately, 8 year old minds are not equipped with thick skinned egos and bruise easily, forever defining that sense of self which is carried into adulthood.

Even as school children, we know that acting in a self serving way is considered conceited or “stuck up”.  The problem is we are all conceited to varying degrees and have differing social skills that serve to curb our behaviors so we can get along.

There are ways to live without always thinking “whats in it for me”, but you may ask, what about those things you desire that dont hurt anyone and serve to fulfill your passions? You may have a passion to create art, become good at it, and perhaps even be able to earn a living from it. Your success may inflate your ego. If you have a healthy sense of self and a balanced ego, you may deal with success in a wholesome way. If your ego is straved for recognition however, you may get sucked into the world of fame and glory, relying on what other say about you to build your sense of self, without which you would be a self identified loser.

So how do you temper your ego in a way that it minimizes your degree of suffering? First, by understanding that there is another perspective on the human condition and that is the existence of a life force energy without form. Its not your body, not your ego, not “you” it is nobody and no-thing. First, comprehending this Higher Source, or just the idea that your sense of self is in fact separate from it is a good start.

People have many different beliefs of the concept of God, Source, Oneness, the infinite Universe and so on. Being able to lose yourself in the moment is a feeling of non separation — of Oneness. Some would call this state Being. It neither has an “I” attached to it, nor a sense of time. You are aware of your thoughts, but you dont give them much intelligent energy. They are just manifestations of your mind, drifting by like a leaf on a flowing stream.

It is has become a cliche, however, to “live in the moment”.  Thats like saying, “don’t worry, be happy”. These phrases, when adopted into our conventional wisdom and trendy language may seem like simple pearls of widom to live by, but to me, they come across more as a rule to live by rather than a more deserved title of a principle of divine inspiration.  What is takes to truly live in the moment requires more of a comprehension of what living means and what a moment means.  Telling people that are constant worriers to not worry is like telling someone don’t think of a white elephant.

Ego is sometimes referred to as an acronym for “Edging God Out”. A humorous but poignant reference to what is going on in the mind. But if one has no belief in God, or is in denial, the ego will win out.  This is where the pain of suffering often transforms the human spirit. Innately, man knows that there is some infinite power or spirit from where he came. Its built into our DNA. We do a great job of suppressing its antenae, but its there if and when we summone it. So why is it that when we reach the end of our ropes, fall on hard times arrive at a real “hit bottom” scenario do we turn to a higher source to call upon for assistance. Why then do we open up our hearts and entertain this hidden source of power and guidance? Because we have an innate sense that its exists and we are willing to set aside our ego. This is the starting point for true spiritual growth. this is when the flame is ignited and the consciouness is awakened.

Spirit is also in the earth,  water, fire, trees, animals and rocks.  The 4 sacred elements often used in European and Western cultures are Air, Water, Fire and Earth. According to most ancient traditions that honor the four elements, each is associated with a particular cardinal direction, North, South, East or West.

In keeping with the traditions of the various earth-based religions, most rituals and ceremonies call in or invoke the spirits of the four directions, which depending on the tradition, correspond to a specific element. We are speaking of mostly Pagan religions and belief systems, i.e. Wicca, Native American Shamanism, Taoism, Buddhism, Astrology, etc.

When used in a sacred geometry context, we normally see this represented in a circle divided into 4 quadrants or a cross. Along with the four elements and the four directions, we add on the four seasons which also correspond to a direction and an element. Then we look at the center of the cross, or where the elements and the spirit of the directions and seasons intersect or share in common. This is the point where Heaven meets Earth and is the center of Man’s existence.

The Native American traditions honors six directions, North, South, East, West, Heaven and Earth. Or as above, so below. Represented often in the form of the Medicine Wheel which is a focus for conducting ritual and ceremony. A circle with a cross therefore, represents an abstract symbol of the cosmology of the Universe.

As I said above, Pagan earth based religions embraced this symbology until it was hijacked by Christianity by superimposing the symbol of crucifixion over the sacred circle.  Evidence of this occurence is reflected in the Celtic cross.

When we look at eastern philosophy and religions we don’t directly see the cross reflecting the 4 elements or the four directions as we do with Western cultures. In contrast, ancient eastern philosophies are based on a 5 element theory as well as an 8 element system upon which the I-Ching was written.

Eastern thought is based more on the balancing of energies among these elements and dividing them  into two sets of complimentary yet dualistic energies, that of Yin and Yang. These energies together form the breath of the Universe, or Chi. It is the substance or spirit that makes up the Earth, Air, Water and Fire that the Western traditions understand although they do not call it Chi.

In Yogic practice and meditation, the breath is often considered our Life Force, and to be mindful of one’s breath is a spiritual practice that induces awakening and a sense of non-duality or a Oneness with Spirit. This breath is the element Air or Wind, reflective of Heaven, Great Spirit, Prana and Chi.

The Universal Life Force Energy (Source, God, Universe, Oneness, Great Spirit, Creator) is contained within ALL the elements. Its energy flows through our environment of which we are a part.  It flows between the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Man. It flows in cycles in an interconnected harmonic relationship that is both productive and destructive.

Because the Universal Life Force or chi, is indeed energy, it cannot be either created nor destroyed, only transformed. Hence, it is always moving, ever changing form. It flows through the Universe, through the sacred elements.

Feng Shui calls this Wind & Water. Wind being a Yang, positive, animated type of energy while water is a Yin energy, more internal, deeper, more grounded. However, both of these energies flow and represent movement.

Wind starts and stops, speeds up and slows down as does a stream. It changing with the seasons. The cycles of Nature are always represented in a circle. The energies of Nature within its system are regenerative.

Everything fits neatly into a box, er, circle.

JOHN STUART LESLIE wants to help you create a garden that has meaning and provides a sanctuary for your mind, body and spirit.

Create a getaway in your own back yard

Having a place to go to unwind and reconnect with nature and oneself sometimes is hard to find, but John Stuart Leslie can help you create that place in your own back yard.

. Leslie takes items that have meaning to a person and puts together sanctuary, a place of serenity that can have a transformative effect on the mind, body and spirit. He has a master’s degree in landscape architecture and has been a licensed contractor since 1982.

Whether a person calls their specially created space a meditation garden, a spiritual garden or a sanctuary, it is the feelings evoked from the garden — serenity, relaxation, tranquility — that a person gets being in the garden that makes it a sanctuary, Leslie said.

“It’s like a room that is a sacred space, but it’s outdoors. We create the sacredness through the deeper meaning we bring to it,” Leslie said.

Leslie will discuss what sacredness is for you and how you want to achieve that in your garden. He has an extended knowledge about spirituality and philosophies, mostly Eastern, and the symbolism of colors and plants. He can create just the right mood.

Leslie will use color, blooming plants, garden art, tile or stonework, fountains, water features -whatever has significant meaning.

Each garden can be very simple or highly structured, but is customized and adapted to an individual’s belief system. Everyone’s garden is a reflection of their inner self, Leslie said.

Leslie’s impetus is to build these spaces for people to manifest in the ground what’s in their soul.

From Red Rock News, Sedona Arizona July 30, 2010

Sitting on my front deck with my two protectors and an orange day lily in bloom gives this spot just enough energy to make me want to hang out for more than a few minutes.

Let’s look at the symbolism of  a few of the elements in this picture.

Starting with color,  the orange daylily stands out not only because it is a blooming flower with a long stem that says “look at me”,  but the color orange has the energetic effect of being warm, flamboyant, yet not at the level of red.

There is much to be said about color theory and its effects on humans. In this context, it is the color of the flower with the daylilies in the pot being the accessory, the color is secondary although important to consider depending on your intent by choosing between colors.

If you are designing a grouping or sitting area for yourself, your personal preferences for color with impact your choices. Your intent may be that you want a sitting area surrounding by a bountiful array of  ‘colorful’  flowers in which case you may select all the colors of the rainbow.

Designing with color is its own chapter on landscape design however, but here the daylily — which happens to be orange is an example of accessorizing with potted plants.

Dragons in the Orient are associated with wisdom and longevity. They usually possess some form of magic or supernatural power. Chinese dragons tend to be benevolent; European dragons are often malevolent. Because dragons can breathe both fire and ice, they are said to be aligned with all 5 elements and thus possess all the essential earth energies. Cosmic Dragon Breath is another name for Chi or Prana.

Gargoyle:  Originally used in European buildings as downspouts to channel water from a roof, gargoyles were later used a protectors of gateways and entrances. Often depicted with ferocious expressions, they took on the symbolism of the Foo Dogs of Asian origin. Misunderstood as a dark force, Gargoyles are friendly and protect the home and ward off evil spirits and negative energy.

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