coming together of opposites

I recently read in Ivan Richmond's book Silence and Noise: Growing Up Zen in America that the Zen Buddhist motion of bringing the palms of the hands together across the chest (as in prayer, or the yogic tradition of "namaste") is meant to symbolize two opposites becoming one. I like this, because even while I was a practicing evangelical Christian, I had a reverence for paradox and mystery as profound and beautiful--not puzzles that need to be solved or questions that are useful only once answered.

I am learning that within the thought life of Zen Buddhism is an ease with opposites. It seems to me that all great spiritual leaders who have stood the test of time also embraced paradox. If I can accept paradox, I begin to be able to see what is real.

My body is a good current example. I weigh more than I ever have, but I am also the most psychologically healthy with regard to my body, and I am implementing more physically and emotionally healthful habits than I ever have before. I am eating better, exercising well, and choosing to pursue health rather than a particular figure. I look one way; I feel another. I seem one way on the surface, but inside I am another.

Once I was able to name this seeming contradiction, I began to feel a greater peace about it. Richmond notes that the hand motion that symbolizes the coming together of opposites is called the "jewel-holding mudra". He writes, "We imagine that between our hands is a jewel. The jewel is enlightenment, because true enlightenment comes from seeing beyond the opposites."