Apas

Seems like a lifetime ago, but it has been only a week since I have returned from a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Western Tibet. Magical would be an understatement. The expanse of the sky and endless plateau; the winds strong and unpredictable; the blazing sun, rocks of the most amazing colours and shapes, sand dunes and water… everywhere. Expanses of turquoise, pristine, holy lakes, flowing rivers, healing hot springs , ice, snow, rain...everywhere there was water, the manifestation of the fourth element apas . True to the meaning of its root ‘aap'- to pervade - in Tibet , it seemed to exist in its purest, unadulterated form, everywhere. In apas , also called jala, the energy of the element before it, agni is directed into a more cohesive and concrete form. Apas is the first manifestation of solidity, a liquid form, a half way between the two extremes of gas and solid. Apas is fluidity, and displays the qualities of coolness, smoothness, movement and adaptability. Just as easily calm as it is, it can turn turbulent Apas carries a dual nature and can conceal churning depths under an outer mask of composure and serenity. Do not be fooled though. The power of water is not to be gambled with; it takes life as swiftly and simply as it grants it.