Each time we incarnate, we create our body. In the Tibetan tradition, one symbol for the body is a precious vase: a beautiful, functional container that holds the inner essence. In the Tibetan tradition, the vase is not like a flower vase that simply holds flowers and water and stands. The vase is simple, small, and has a spout. This indicates that our inner essence is supposed to be poured out constantly to others and into the world.
Our breath flows in and out of the vase of our body and makes possible the vase of our incarnated existence. Each breath comes into the tip of the nose, flows along the breath pathways, and out again. Concentration on the trail of the breath cultivates concentration overall. Concentration brings tranquility; tranquility is a quality of inner essence. Breathing we pour essence into the world.
