The Bowl of Saki Commentary

This is the very test of life and it affects humankind on all planes. Thus in the physical body, when we are losers in the battle of life, whether through our own weakness in the economic field or because of heedlessness, often this takes the form of cold in the extremities. This is due to poor circulation, which in turn is the result of lack of life-force in the heart.

The struggle for life is a battle and very often those who are unwilling to fight others are likewise unwilling to overcome their own weaknesses. This shows absence of life and power. The purpose of the purification of heart is in the highest degree scientific when viewed from this aspect, as the soul through the heart replenishes the energy in all of one's vehicles down to the utmost cell.

From the emotional point of view, the order and rhythm of the circulation is necessary to maintain health and vigor, and also in order that one not be overcome through external forces. In meeting the struggles of existence, a bold posture is put on through concentration on the heart. This boldness is inner not outer; it is a fine courage which may be hidden by meekness and a true humility. It knows no fear, yet it disdains neither anger nor egotism. This shows the control of heart and will over mind.

And the mind, thus handled, may keep its opinions or change them. But mind is not opinion. Opinion is a fixation of mind due to the nufs. Opinions are like hardening and sculpturing mind-stuff into images and then worshiping the images. This is a kind of idolatry. Mind freed from opinion is the master-mind. In this the water element is symbolic of the mind-stuff (or akasha), which rises and falls but never sweeps over the head of the one who has mastery.