How we create sacred containers for prayer, meditation, or energy work.
A long time ago there was a Jewish mystic named Honi, known as the Circle Drawer. In one story about him, there is a drought in the land and Honi draws a circle in the sand and tells God that he will not leave the circle until it starts raining. (By the way Honi called God ‘Abba’, which is the same term Jesus used. It’s a term that indicates deep intimacy and closeness).
Honi drew a circle around himself and then set an intention. He felt a deep, intimate connection with the Source.
In a similar manner, The Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree seeking enlightenment. He placed two fingers from his right hand on the ground. His fingers indicated that he was calling the Earth to witness to his enlightenment in the face of temptation and fear.
Both Honi and The Buddha combined physical posture along with intention in their prayer or meditation practice. I’d like for a few moments to explore this use of physical posture to establish space in meditation or prayer practice.
Drawing a circle around oneself is a spiritual practice seen in many different traditions around the world–not only in ancient Judaism but in aboriginal spiritual traditions of The Americas for example.
What is very important is that the circle is actually drawn–whether literally drawn in the ground like Honi did or visualized around oneself. I use this practice myself. I will typically trace the outline of a circle around my body with my index finger as I sit down to pray or meditate.
The circle has no beginning and no end and therefore represents the Infinite. The circle is whole, a representation of healing. Every point on the circle is equidistant from the center of the circle, representing the ultimate oneness and equality of all things.
The circle does however create a boundary and arguably this is the circle’s most important function. First it offers psychic protection. You may choose who or what is able to enter into the circle and conversely what is to remain outside the circle.
By drawing the circle we place ourselves in a spiritual container, in a sacred space. The circle inscribes a space of holiness.
Try it for yourself. Sit down and relax yourself and begin to meditate. Do this for a few minutes…
What do you notice?
Now, sit down but before beginning to meditate, draw a circle around yourself. If you are a very visual person you may visualize this circle being drawn but I find it is helpful to have some physical gesture to instil the act in your bodily being.
Draw the circle around yourself, sit for a moment in the circle and notice what arises for you.
Now begin to meditate for a few minutes.
Notice if there is a qualitative difference between these two mini-meditation experiences.
In my experience in the second version I most often feel a much deeper sense of connection and peace.
Further Variations/Additions:
–Orienting to the Directions
I’ve been very influenced by the traditions of shamanism, which is where I learned this practice. Some folks will actually stand and face the various directions often opening the hands to the direction as a sign of reception. They may even call out to the directions, invoke a prayer or chant or beat a drum or shake a rattle. For those who are more extroverted or kinaesthetic I encourage trying that process. I’m generally more introverted so I prefer simply to sit within the drawn circle and to bring my intention in turn to each direction, offering thanks and asking for support. I often point a finger or move a hand towards each direction rather than my whole body. I’ll share the method I follow (taught to me by Alberto Villoldo), but of course I encourage individuals to develop them as they need to in their own creative ways.
The order of the directions I follow:
1) South. South is typically associated with the season of summer, with the element Fire. Here I ask for heat that might burn away that which needs to be released.
2) West. Associated with the season of autumn and the element Water. The West is where the sun sets and is traditionally associated with dying. Here I ask that whatever needs to die within me may do so.
3) North. Season of winter and the element Earth. This is the realm of journeying. I often imagine a vast, dark, snowy landscape and see myself walking out in this land, into the dreamy darkness.
4) East. Season of spring and the element Air. Spring is associated with the rising of the sun and therefore new life. I sometimes imagine flying with the perspective of an eagle, soaring in the clouds with a panoramic view and diving with precision into life. This dimension is about creation.
5) Earth. This realm nurtures us, sustains us, and gives life. I connect here for a sense of grounding and healing.
6) Heavens. Not simply the airs, the rains, and the stars (those it includes those), but by heavens I also connect to a sense of the transcendent and the spirit world. This connects to me a long line of wisdom figures. I feel the sense of inspiration and grace. I feel myself opening to that which is far greater than me.
7) Self. Lastly I bring attention to myself as one being within this vast array. I feel joined to all these dimensions, offer gratitude for the gifts of all of these dimensions, and seek to serve with love and kindness.
–Buddha pointing to the ground
I employ this posture whenever if I ever feel beset by potentially overwhelming thoughts or emotions arising. If I experience deep movements of fear or anxiety (which happens from time to time), then I place my two fingers on the ground and feel the Earth offering her strength to me. I also use this posture when I feel that I’m not paying attention particularly well during prayer or meditation. Immediately I notice a more focused quality once I place those fingers on the ground.