Gen

Gen, as mountain, is a symbol of individual existence, solid and real for practical purposes, but only insofar as its foundation upon a greater reality is secure, which requires that the basis be broader than the summit. Here, security, composure and balance are inseparable. From below, the human perspective, the big picture is grasped only when one is on top of things. Until the work is done to get to this lofty place, the mountain is an obstacle, or limit to the grander view. To be great means to be greatly grounded. Mountains are also thought of as the centers of the w orld, hubs, poles, axes and reference points. And, of course, they are home to the gods. This is half of the third dimension, things, as islands in time.