The Spiritual Meaning of Water

We are all well aware of the necessity of water. From keeping us alive to quenching our thirst, to washing the dirt from our bodies and our food, not to mention its role in producing that food, our survival depends on water. But what does such a valuable life force mean spiritually? Is there any spiritual essence or spiritual meaning of water?

Sacred Importance of Water

As a symbol of life, water represents divine generosity. Indeed, it’s a personification of healing and suffering, protection and vulnerability, change and constancy, stillness and rage. Water in all its glory is considered a purifier of the soul.

Of course, water is the basis of purification in multiple religions, and many cultures use water as a sacred practice to heal internal turmoil. For instance, Hindu devotees take a holy dip in the River Ganga to purify the soul. Similarly, Islam has a daily ritual of ablution (called “Wudhu”) to cleanse inside and outside the body before prayers. In Christianity, the ritual of baptism through holy water symbolizes purity. Likewise, other cultures use water to cleanse the spirit and eliminate impurities from the soul.

[Read: “Water Rituals Around the World.”]

Fluid Spirituality: Be Like Water

As Bruce Lee famously said: “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

This depicts the flexibility and the changing nature of water. To be like water, we need to be fluid; we need to change and grow from the circumstances of life. Furthermore, we need to imbibe the formless, calm, and conscious nature of the water.

Drinking in the Spiritual Meaning of Water

Generally, when we drink water, we tend to be unaware of its significance. Habitually, we drink it hastily. But if you were to drink water to absorb its benefits completely, how would you drink it?

We can drink water with intention—an intention of healing, purification, spiritual wellness, and inner peace. With an intention of gratitude towards the earth.

According to Ayurveda, there are certain ways to drink water:

• Sitting down. When you drink water standing, the fluids get drawn into your joints. However, when you drink water seated, it reaches different organs sufficiently.
• With a 45-minute gap. Sip water 45 minutes before and after food intake. If you drink water before food it gets diluted with gut enzymes and reduces digestion. Excess water right after food alters the digestion process and may cause obesity.
• 8 glasses. Too little water makes you dehydrated. Excess water makes you groggy and dizzy due to electrolyte imbalance. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is considered optimum.
• Drink it warm. Cold water disrupts the digestion process, whereas warm water improves blood supply to organs and promotes metabolism.
• In small sips. Taking small divided sips instead of big gulps strengthens the digestive system.
• On an empty stomach. Drink warm water as soon as you wake up. This assists the digestion process.

Meditating on the Source

The spiritual meaning of water is evident in its form and sound. Like the crashing ocean waves, the serene river, the roaring waterfall, and the drizzling rain. It’s all something to marvel at and use as a basis for meditation practices.

What we perceive the water to be is what we want to instill in our hearts. Try meditating on the source of water. Take a deep breath in and out and bring your awareness to the sound or form of the water. Then visualize the water and its features. Accordingly, form a connection with the water and your true self. This leads to a sense of clarity and peace of mind.

In essence, water is the life force that centers our spirit and our body, signifying wisdom and conscious awareness. Take time to ponder the spiritual meaning of water and celebrate its gifts on earth.

Keep the flow: Consider “11 Ways to Raise Your Vibration With Water.”