The Borromean Rings

Many years ago, through my early training in kung-fu, I became aware of the interrelationship between mind, body, and spirit. I observed that these seemingly separate entities were actually interdependent, working together to form what we understand as consciousness. In order to function most efficiently, and perform some of the feats that, by any normal standards, appear to be super-human, I learned that all three aspects—mind, body, and spirit—must be unified towards the same purpose. Experiencing this first-hand, I came to feel a sense of vitality, a feeling of “being alive,” and a subtle awareness of…something.

Twenty (or thereabouts) years later, I stumbled upon the perfect model of this unified mind-body-spirit relationship. The model is a series of three rings, interconnected in a such a way that if you remove one ring, the entire construction falls apart. These rings are known as Borromean Rings.

The symbol consists of three rings interlocked so that no two rings are connected, yet as a whole they are inseparable. If one ring is removed, the connection is broken entirely. Because of this quality, the Borromean Rings have often been used as a symbol of solidarity and strength. The rings take their name from the Italian Borromeo family, who have used the symbol in their family crest since the 15th century. The symbol has also served as logo for a variety of products, from beer to software.

The Borromean Rings have appeared in several theological applications. A variation of the rings, “Odin’s Triangle,” may be found in Norse mythology. Christians have used the symbol to represent the Holy Trinity. Versions of the rings have been found in Shinto shrines, representing the three realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld. They may also be found in some neo-pagan practices, representing the three aspects of the moon, and their corresponding aspects of the Goddess: maiden, mother, and crone. Finally, at the center of the Borromean Rings, we find a perfect triquetra, a traditional Celtic symbol with a myriad of meanings and uses.

When I first learned of the Borromean Rings, I quickly recognized the usefulness of the symbol in describing the mind-body-spirit relationship. What I didn't know then, however, was just how compelling the symbolism would prove to be. The parallel relationship between each ring and its corresponding element seems clear enough. When we imagine the rings in the form of a physical model, the relationships deepen. Not only do the rings perfectly demonstrate the interdependence of mind, body, and spirit, they also suggest secondary traits of energy, emotions, and the sub-conscious. In the center of it all, we find a representation of our self awareness, or empowerment.

The figure above illustrates how the rings work together to create a complete model of the unified “self.” As expected, the larger circles represent the core principles of mind, body, and spirit. The smaller spaces illustrate how these three basic aspects of our beings merge to create secondary attributes: energy, emotions, and subconscious. At the center of it all, we find a space touching all the other spaces, an area shaped by all the rings simultaneously. This central area corresponds to our sense of awareness, the degree to which we are able to accurately interact with the Universe. It gives us our ability to distinguish Truth from illusion; to see the forest through the trees, if you will. It is also the well from which we draw our joy and compassion, and represents our personal power and wisdom with which we guide our lives.

Notice how the center area changes size with the movement of the rings. As the rings move closer together, the center expands. This symbolizes how, when we strengthen and improve our mind, body, or spirit, there is an automatic and instant growth in our consciousness. Moving all the rings in simultaneously multiplies the effect. Imagine pushing all three rings together as far as they can go. What has happened to the spaces? They have merged and become indistinguishable from one another, like a single, infinite circle. In this state, we see that mind, body, and spirit are united. We have achieved 100% awareness; complete harmony. This is the ultimate goal, and it can only be achieved by nurturing good health in all areas of our lives.

Using the Borromean Rings, we see that mind, body, and spirit cannot exist separate from one another. The degree to which we are able to live joyfully, with awareness, is directly related to the health and vitality of all three aspects. There is one more secret to the rings. Not only can improving mind, body, and spirit help us live joyfully...living joyfully can improve our mind, body, and spirit. The interaction goes both ways.

The Borromean Rings continue to fascinate me as a model for complete harmony and well-being. I will continue to write on the topic, expanding upon the various principles and definitions. In the meantime, I hope others will find the rings as inspiring and helpful as I have.

~ Heather Haze

Welcome

My name is Heather Haze. I am a musician, composer, writer, martial artist, and part-time philosopher, among other things. I spend a good deal of time contemplating life, the universe, and…well, everything. I have studied many religions, theologies, mythologies, and philosophies, including the “big three” of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam; Hinduism, Taoism, neo-paganism (including Wicca and many of its offshoots), and various flavors of Buddhism. I have practiced some of these personally, to varying extents. I have found that every religion I have studied has something beautiful and beneficial to offer. Each can be a legitimate pathway to Truth, and often the only compelling reason to choose one over another is a matter of taste, or cultural appeal.

For my own preference, I have found the far-eastern philosophies of Buddhism and Taoism to best match my own experiences and perceptions. When asked, I will general proclaim to be Buddhist in casual conversation. This is not, however, completely accurate. Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, is not really a religion as most people think of it. While it is true that millions of people practice Buddhism much as you might see Christians practicing Christianity, this is not where you will find the essence of Buddhism (or, for that matter, Christianity). A seeker comes to understand the principles of Buddhism through meditation and personal experience.

Any earnest spiritual path is, essentially, a lonely one. People can teach one another values, morals, ethics, and other wonderfully useful things. They can teach methods, techniques, and practices that may help the seeker along the way. Nobody, however, can teach another to see. Spirituality is a matter of perception, and perception is purely subjective. That is to say, the way I see and experience the world may differ drastically from the way you see and experience the world. How, then, can I—or anybody else—possibly teach you to see ultimate, universal Truth?

The fact is, such teaching does not exist. All of the greatest teachers in the history of humankind have done their best to point us in the right direction, and to give us tools we may use along the way. The journey, however, is ours, and ours alone.

Truth surely does exist, and it is right before our eyes. Sometimes we get glimpses of it, through the clouds, beyond the trees. When all our doubts, fears, expectations, delusions, attachments, resentments, and other murky human compulsions cease to entangle our perceptions, there we find Truth, penetrating everything like the noon sun on a cloudless day.

It is such penetrating Truth that has inspired me to create this blog. The Borromean Rings—which I will explain in detail in a later post—serve as a sort of spiritual compass, helping us to understand how the various aspects of our beings work together and define us. They can help us recognize our strengths and weakness, and open our minds to ways of thinking we may have overlooked.

Some posts in this blog will deal with my theory of the Borromean Rings directly. Many others will simply relate observations I have made along the way. In any event, I sincerely hope you find something here of value to you. That is what this is all about.

I make no claims to be a guru, messiah, or teacher of any kind. I simply offer my perspective on the Universe, relating what I have learned to the best of my ability. I encourage you to add your own comments, questions, insights, or humor. Any interaction is welcome (within the scope of polite and rational behavior, naturally). Above all, I wish you every success on your journey through life.

Namaste,

Heather Haze