“If you pour it into a vase, it will take the shape of a vase. In a cup, it takes the form of a cup. In the palms – the shape of the palms. But the water itself has no shape. There is also Consciousness, the nature of which is even more subtle and elusive than the nature of water. It also has no form, but it takes the form of any concept it identifies with without becoming that form. His nature is always formless.”
Muji
This phrase, uttered by Sage Muji, deeply touches on the philosophical aspects of the nature of consciousness, self-awareness and individuality. Let’s take it apart and give real-life examples.
When we say that water has no shape, it means that it adapts to the container into which it is poured. For example:
- If you pour water into a bottle, it will take the shape of a bottle.
- If you pour it on the table, it will spread and take the shape of a table.
Thus, water is a universal remedy that can change its shape depending on circumstances. It can be a metaphor for human consciousness, which can also adapt to different situations and concepts.
Comparing consciousness with water indicates that consciousness, like water, has no fixed form. It can take on different states and images, but in its essence remains unchanged and formless. For example:
- When a person experiences joy, his consciousness can “take the form” of this joy. He may feel happy and talk about happiness, but his true nature does not change.
- In moments of stress or sadness, consciousness can “take the form” of these emotions, but this does not determine its true essence.
For example, when you are in love, your consciousness can “take the form” of love. You can think about your loved one, experience joy and delight, but this state is temporary. When love passes, your consciousness does not disappear, it just returns to its formless nature.
Roles and identities: You can be a parent, an employee, a friend, etc. Each of these roles requires you to adapt and change your behavior. However, deep down, you remain the same person, regardless of the roles you play. Your consciousness can “take the form” of each of these roles, but it is not limited to them. That is, you can be both a factory director and a sweet dad, a passionate lover and a loyal friend, etc. In any case, these are only temporary roles that are impermanent and are not your true self.
Also, your beliefs and ideas about life can change over time. For example, when you were young, you might believe in some things, but with age and experience, your worldview might change. Consciousness adapts to new beliefs, your preferences change, according to the influence of the environment and the people around you, but your true essence, which for most people is not known and unknown through experience, one way or another, remains unchanged.
Thus, the phrase “Water has no form” is a metaphor illustrating how our consciousness can take different forms depending on circumstances, but in its true nature it remains formless and unchangeable. This understanding helps us realize that we may not be attached to our emotions, roles, or beliefs, and that the true self lies beyond these forms.
This will give us the life-giving power to overcome problems and understand that our lives have a deep meaning to achieve this true state.
Elena Kshanti
