On Clouds
I.
Asian medicine is not only a system of healing, but a philosophy and worldview. Rather than relying upon theoretical abstracts, Asian medicine commonly references the natural landscape to illustrate its concepts. The human body is seen as a reflection of the natural landscape—with its mountains, valleys, rivers, springs, streams, and ponds. The extraordinary vessels are the reservoirs that feed the twelve rivers forming the meridian system. Along these rivers one finds mounds, streams, currents, and ponds. Thus, water functions as a primary metaphor for the life-force—a flowing source of nourishment and the basis of all life.
Clouds are another fundamental metaphor in Asian medicine. Clouds are a natural symbol of qi, the life-force that animates the world and flows within the human body. Qi is difficult to conceptualize and thus is nearly impossible to translate. The ideographic language of the Chinese allows for this word to communicate a trans-verbal meaning. In English, qi is most commonly translated as “energy”, though it also can be translated as “vapor”, “breath”, “steam”. In its earliest usage, qi was written. While I have no real issue with the translation of “qi” as “energy” in English, I also agree that qi as a concept in itself eludes language. Ultimately, qi is a transcendental and spiritual reality, the universal made tangible.
Therefore, rather than focusing on qi as “energy”, I find it more fruitful to consider qi in light of the natural landscape. Clouds are the fundamental symbol of qi. Clouds are formed through the natural process of condensation in the atmosphere, the “steam” of the Earth. This steam rises from Earth to Heaven, and the vapors coalesce into clouds. In this sense, clouds describe the mutual relationship and circuitous flow between Heaven and Earth. Clouds are also water, the source of all life. Yet clouds can be formed by fire too, as a burning flame is capable of producing thick clouds. Therefore, clouds are also fire. Clouds are the humid steam rising from the Earth, therefore clouds are earth. Clouds rise to the sky and are gathered by mountains, therefore clouds are metal. Once they rise and fill, clouds release water as rain, therefore clouds are water. The rain that falls to the Earth engenders growth, therefore clouds are wood. Clouds are the heavenly source of water—the rain that feeds the Earth and flowing and pooling in the contours of the natural landscape.
Clouds are a universal expression of life in all its phases. Clouds are also beautiful. They way they float and move effortlessly across the sky is an illustration of the unimpeded flow of life. Clouds are always changing, and thus they also communicate impermanence and mortality. Their weightless, transparent, and ethereal quality is itself pure spaciousness, the transcendental context of all things.
II.
I live in one of the wettest spots on Earth, at the foot of Mt. Wai’ale’ale. There is an abundance of rain and a natural humidity. And there are always clouds in the sky. It is not overcast, but sunny with clouds with frequent changes in temperament as the rain comes and goes, stays and disappears, torrents and sprinkles. The clouds gather around the mountains, often draping them like a shawl, floating above their crown, or swirling in their center. Many times, I have seen a clear sky with garlands of clouds only on the mountains. In that image alone, we can see the entire five-phase cycle. It is also true that Hawaiian air is rich with qi—not only fragrant, but thick. And the plant life thrives constantly like an eternal spring.
As a bibliophile, I have to confess that I’ve learned more from being outside with the natural elements than from anything in the written word. Take some time to observe the patterns of the natural landscape, wherever you are, and everything will begin to make sense—even before, after, and between the words, like a vaporous swirl waiting to dissolve.