Come in
meditation to the serene waters of Sacred Pond
for rest and restoration, and let yourself be drawn into the ancient
mystery of "Yab Yum" veiled within its depths. Swim effortlessly through
earthly troubles
with the noble "Nishikigoi" (koi fish bred for color) often
referred to as "living jewels" or "swimming flowers."
Here they number six, representing Venus rule of love, harmony, spiritual
and mental balance, sincerity, truth and enlightenment. They embody beauty
and abundance in the natural world, their curious whiskers depicting
wisdom.
The many positive attributes associated with
Koi and the attendant symbolism have made them popular subjects for
oriental works of art for centuries. Eastern religions and legends abound
with references to Koi. Eventually, they have become associated with
"masculine" qualities and in contemporary tattoo imagery, especially in
combination with crashing waterfalls, characterize courage, the ability to
attain high goals and the strength to overcome life's difficulties.
Koi also represent the condition of samsaric beings in the Buddhist sense.
Inhabiting the upper level of water and knowing only about water, they are
generally oblivious to what is just above. Hence, Koi are a potent symbol for ordinary human awareness. When caught
in the confusion and ignorance of our minds, we are like fish without knowledge of the world above water. We are
ignorant the
potential that is inherent in our nature. And like Koi leaping up the
waterfall, a few of
us manage to experience the wider reality, often unknowingly and sometimes
at great risk to life and limb.
Last but
not least, two honorable Japanese Pond Snails descend to the muddy and murky
pond bottom to tend the birthplace of the beautiful and pure lotus whose
tender buds
are emerging to the surface.
[return to top of page]
