“The heart has reasons that reason cannot know.”
For centuries philosophers, scientists, priests and poets have contemplated the function of the heart. In Ayurveda, India's 5000 year old system of medicine the Anahata or Heart Chakra is located in the middle of the chest the same region as the heart. It's characteristics are physical, emotional and spiritual. It's associated with the physical functions of the heart, blood and circulatory system and also the spiritual traits of compassion, unconditional love and issues of the soul.
 |
Anonymous Persian Anatomical Illustrations. [Iran or Pakistan, ca. 1680-1 |
In the fourth Century B.C. the Greek philosopher Aristotle identified the heart as the center of intelligence, motion, and sensation, the body's source of vitality.
The Sacred Heart, a traditional Christian image, is often depicted as a flaming heart impaled by a sword or encircled by a ring of thorns. The imagery suggests physical duress but also spiritual passion. It's a frequent subject in Latin American folk art. Contemporary artists have expanded on the traditional image to express there own ideas about the nature of the heart. It's even achieved something of a cult status in popular art.
Mexican Tin Sacred Heart courtesy of The Virgin Rose on Etsy
 |
| Mexican Milagros courtesy of Alamo 2003 Shop |
Sacred Heart-3 By Scott Holloway
*********************************************************
I will have to leave the mysteries of the heart unsolved for now and instead end this post with some words from the Sufi poet Hafiz~
"How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all its beauty? It felt the encouragement of light against its being, otherwise, we would remain too frightened "
It's all about LOVE
Great to see your new blog Elizabeth. I've enjoyed browsing and love your heart series.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn! Yours is such an inspiration!
ReplyDelete