One meditation practice from the Buddhist tradition that I love, which isn’t very well-known, is the Six Element Practice. This practice reflects on the interconnected nature of our being. I find it particularly special for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly poetic and emphasizes our intrinsic connection to the universe. Secondly, it aligns well with contemporary science, which is a subject I’m passionate about, adding extra depth to the practice. Lastly, it’s highly effective. Both I and many others I’ve taught this meditation to have experienced a significant shift in our understanding of who we are. It fosters a sense of connectedness, lightness, and freedom.
The meditation involves examining the six elements that constitute our being and realizing that none of them define us in an ultimate sense. These six elements come from an ancient understanding of the universe. Although this model of reality is no longer scientifically accurate, it still makes sense experientially.
The traditional order includes: earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness. The first four are classical elements from antiquity and align with how we experience the world: solids, liquids, gases, and energy.
In the Six Element Practice, we reflect on each of these elements in turn. We first connect with the element within us—typically perceived as part of “me.” For example, with the earth element, we notice the solid parts of our body, like bones, muscles, teeth, and hair. Even if we can’t directly feel our inner organs, we can imagine them.
Next, we connect with the same element outside ourselves. For the earth element, we think about solid things in the world—walking on solid ground, picking up a rock, touching tree bark, holding an apple. Recalling experiences with food, like bread, fruits, and vegetables, is particularly useful.
Then, we reflect that the earth element is neither “me” nor “other” but a single earth element. We recognize how this element comes and goes in our body. All the solid matter in our body originally comes from the outside world—soils, rocks, plants, and so forth. As our bodies constantly renew themselves, what was once part of us returns to the earth, illustrating a continuous flow.
By reflecting in this manner, we begin to see our body’s solid matter not as something separate but as an integral part of a flow. The earth element moves from the outside world, through our bodies, and back out again.
Finally, we affirm to ourselves, “This is not me. This is not mine. This is not myself,” acknowledging that we cannot own something merely passing through.
We apply this same reflection to the other physical elements—the liquids, gases, and energies that pass through us. But then what remains for these elements to pass through? This brings us to space, the element that provides the form through which others pass.
However, the human form is simply the first four elements. Remove them, and nothing physical is left. We come to understand that these elements never leave the outside world. Our bodies are just living, changing parts of the universe. The idea of separateness fades away.
Lastly, we consider consciousness. Traditionally described as a combination of form, perception of form, and consciousness of form, these three are inseparable. We often think of consciousness as separate from what it perceives, but this practice helps us see it as part of a unified phenomenon—the universe becoming aware of itself.
So, if even your consciousness isn’t “you,” what are you? This is one of the profound aspects of the Six Element Practice—it leaves you with a sense of mystery and openness. We set aside the need for definitions and categorization, experiencing life without boundaries. There’s no “self” encountering an external world, just the vibrant aliveness of the universe becoming aware of itself, offering a profound sense of freedom.
If you’re curious about the Six Element Practice and want to delve deeper, join me for a six-week online course starting July 12.