Water is life
For us Earthlings, at least, there is nothing more fundamental than water: more than two-thirds of the surface of our planet is submerged beneath it; and almost the same proportion of the body mass of every adult is composed of water. Most of us could survive without food for weeks on end, but would die after only three days or so without water. Indeed, if we go for very long at all without water, that part of the forebrain known as the hypothalamus triggers the thirst response, and we seek water with increasing urgency. Almost as important is the utility of water for washing: several crucial activities, such as eating, and many other enjoyable activities demand at least a modicum of bodily cleanliness.
Slaking and purifying: water as symbol …show more content…
Scriptures and rituals of ancient religions in both East and West rely heavily on the symbolism of water: the Jewish mikvah immersion rituals; the baptismal font in Christianity; the Muslim wudu before prayer; the similar pre-prayer washing of the Hindus; and the seeking of forgiveness in the waters of the Ganges. The renowned 16th-century Spanish mystic St Teresa of Ávila made extensive use of water imagery, commenting: …I don’t find anything more appropriate to explain some spiritual experiences than water; and this is because I am so fond of this element that I have observed it more attentively than other things… St Teresa of Ávila, The Interior Castle, IV, Ch. 2:
For us Earthlings, at least, there is nothing more fundamental than water: more than two-thirds of the surface of our planet is submerged beneath it; and almost the same proportion of the body mass of every adult is composed of water. Most of us could survive without food for weeks on end, but would die after only three days or so without water. Indeed, if we go for very long at all without water, that part of the forebrain known as the hypothalamus triggers the thirst response, and we seek water with increasing urgency. Almost as important is the utility of water for washing: several crucial activities, such as eating, and many other enjoyable activities demand at least a modicum of bodily cleanliness.
Slaking and purifying: water as symbol …show more content…
Scriptures and rituals of ancient religions in both East and West rely heavily on the symbolism of water: the Jewish mikvah immersion rituals; the baptismal font in Christianity; the Muslim wudu before prayer; the similar pre-prayer washing of the Hindus; and the seeking of forgiveness in the waters of the Ganges. The renowned 16th-century Spanish mystic St Teresa of Ávila made extensive use of water imagery, commenting: …I don’t find anything more appropriate to explain some spiritual experiences than water; and this is because I am so fond of this element that I have observed it more attentively than other things… St Teresa of Ávila, The Interior Castle, IV, Ch. 2: