Geographic science teaches us valuable lessons about human nature. Mother Nature is our greatest teacher; we only need to understand her metaphors and symbolism to decipher her messages and learn from them to solve life’s issues and challenges. Within the borders of the nation of Israel, there are two bodies of water, both supplied by the River Jordan: the Sea of Galilee in the north and the Dead Sea in the south.
The Sea of Galilee is fresh and abundant with life, surrounded by lush greenery and vegetation of every kind. Birds build their nests along its banks, and children are often seen playing along its shores. In contrast, the Dead Sea, located in the southern region, is devoid of life, with little to no vegetation. It is called the Dead Sea for a very good reason: for every drop of moisture that flows into the Sea of Galilee, an equal amount flows out, maintaining balance. The Dead Sea, however, lies at the end of the River Jordan and keeps every drop it receives, resulting in stagnation and pollution.
In human beings, we have our own river and two seas within our meridian system. The central governing meridian runs from the crown at the top of our head, down the front of our body to the perineum, and up the spine, leading back to the crown in one complete circle. This central governing meridian is the network that supplies energy to balance the yin and yang within our bodies. In the Kundalini system practiced by yogis in the East, we have the Sushumna (the river) contrasted with the two seas, Ida and Pingala.
In ancient India, the most revered rivers are the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. The River Ganga serves as the link between the two seas, Yamuna and Saraswati. We see the three presiding deities of Hinduism: Vishnu, the maintainer god (the river); Brahma, the creator; and Shiva, the destroyer. We also have the Father (the river), the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Paradise, we find the River, along with the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil as the seas.
This theme can be observed in every walk of life, every culture, every religion, and every faith. If you can recognize these similarities, you will see unity and oneness in all things. Otherwise, if you focus on differences, you may gradually find yourself living in separation, leading to fanaticism, extremism, and ultimately falling into the trap of terrorism in the name of martyrdom.
It seems that all beings reflect these one river and two seas of Israel. Some are generous in sharing, caring, and giving blessings to those around them, leading to fresh, abundant, and meaningful lives. In contrast, others who are selfish, crude, and blatant become stagnant over time. It has been said that there are two kinds of people in this world: the “takers” and the “givers.” The takers may eat well, but the givers live well.