 Water is life: it nourishes,
it soothes, it revives, it cradles. It can also be violent and destructive,
or a quiet menace, insidious and far-reaching in its effects. Water should
not be thought of as a weak element since water has great force and
penetrating power over a long period, especially when it is channeled in a
concentrated way. A beautiful example of the power of this element is
expressed by an 11th century Chinese scholar:
"Of all the elements, the Sage
should take water as his preceptor. Water is yielding but all-conquering.
Water extinguishes Fire or, finding itself likely to be defeated, escapes as
steam and reforms. Water washes away soft Earth or, when confronted by
rocks, seeks a way around. . . . It saturates the atmosphere so that Wind
dies. Water gives way to obstacles with deceptive humility, for no power
can prevent it following its destined course to the sea. Water conquers by
yielding; it never attacks but always wins the last battle."
(from John Blofeld's The Wheel of Life, p. 78)
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