Philosophy of Soul and Matter

Author(s): Chitrabhanu, Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Center

Page 60

macrocosm. Before you can see the invisible, start with the visible; before you experience the formless, investigate the forms. See that in form you are composed of the same elements as the universe. The solid parts of your body-hair, teeth, skin, nails, and bones are the earth elements. They are the “dust." All the fluids-blood, sweat, saliva, tears—are the watery elements in us. That which causes chemical reactions, including the digestion of food and body heat, is the fire element. The breath which is constantly coming and going is the air element.
So what is without is within. There is no running away from the world. The form you see in you is the form of the cosmos. In ancient Jain palm leaf manuscripts, artists even depicted the form of the cosmos in the form of man..
Because of this deep relation between microcosm and macrocosm, we are affected by seasonal changes. If it is cold outside, our body feels cold. Just as nature's forms are in a constant state of flux and change, so our form is undergoing continuous change.
What is the hidden reason for change? What is the law.behind the cycle of the seasons: To renew and refresh. In order to remain continually fresh, water is