I have decided that I want to talk a little about the Avatar series, particularly, how bending works. Now, I have only seen Avatar: the last Airbender, so I am not too antiquated with the sequel series Legend of Korra.
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Now, these genes can be passed down, but they are not dominate. This is why most people in this hypothetical world are normal, but in each group there are those who have the genes associated with one of the elements.
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Now, each of these groups or countries have certain characteristics, such as: Fire Nation is power hungry, Water Tribes are spread out, Air Nomads travel, and Earth Kingdom builds large cities. Whether or not these characteristics are traits that are common among the benders, or if they sprang from the benders remains unknown. There is logic on both accounts.
Like, do firebenders have a disposition to gain and crave power because fire consumes and devours by burning fuel? or are the genes associated with firebending leave genetic susceptibility to greed, like some genes allow for greater temptation to addiction or depression (see my post: Depression is of the Devil?).
In either case, a correlations is visible. Air Nomads travel like the breeze, migrating from temple to temple. The Earth Kingdom fortifies and is defensive and strong. Water Tribes spread out to the far reaches of the flowing water, as well as along banks or shores where water is abundant.
Whether nature or nurture is the culprit for these characteristics, it matters little. What is important is the use of these genes. Just because the individual has the genetic traits allowing them to commune with one of these elements, it does not mean that they know how to "speak the language" per say.
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Knowing and building this line of communication, using practice and discipline, allows the individual to manipulate that element, "...for there is a God, and he hath created all things,...both things to act and things to be acted upon." (2 Nephi 2:26). The elements, the earth, fire, wind, and water, are things to be "acted upon". People and animals are "things to act". Thus, as children of God, it could be a genetic birth rite to command the elements.
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Mr. Shyamalan was complicating something that was enjoyed because of its simplicity. Now, even though I can understand what M. was doing, it does not mean that I enjoyed the movie any more. It was quite horrible. It does, however, give it a good merit, the understanding that there is more depth to what is going on than what meets the eye.
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It is interesting to note that while waterbenders can manipulate their sweat, saliva, or other body fluids and thus produce their element, firebenders can manipulate their ki, like in Dragon Ball, and use that heat energy to not only warm themselves up, but even produce fire.
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Earthbenders, on the other hand, cannot even remotely produce their own element. However, their element is found it quite abundance. The language of earthbending is Hung Gar. Toph Beifong has described earth as a "stubborn" element. It is quite solid and unyielding, thus the rigid, strong, forceful motions of Hung Gar.
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Toph was also the first one to develop metalbending. During the smelting process, most of what makes the rock or dirt earth was burned or melted away, leaving only the metal mineral. This makes it nearly impossible for earthbenders to manipulate metal. However, because of Toph's blindness and her ability to listen and feel the element, she managed to locate whatever part of metal that still responds to bending. This allows her to manipulate metals as easily as earth, though the metal has different properties.
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As I said, earthbending has helped Toph to be able to "listen and feel the element". This has enabled her to practically see with her earthbending, which is a great feat since she is blind. Seeing in this manner could also be called seismic sense, for the vibrations are felt through the solid matter.
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As earth's polar opposite, airbending is quite extravagant. The Ba Gua Zhang movements are circular and large allowing for great amounts of air disruption.
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With the comparison to the planet Earth and it's rotation, the direction coupled with the heat changes in correlation to its position to the Sun causes great air currents. Thus, the circular, and even spherical, movements resemble the wind rotation on the Earth.
Thus we see, the language of the elements connects the individual's mind to their body, and allows their soul to commune with the element.
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Though we too are children of God, He has not seen fit to bless us with genes that contain His inherent authority or power. However, by faith and the priesthood, also known as the authority of God, we can indeed act in His name. Whether that is healing the sick, commanding the seas to part, or mountains to remove to a yonder place, as long as it coincides with His will, we can do all things.
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I fully realize that not all of my readers are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though you may doubt my claims, I testify that God's power and authority is on the Earth today. It is the same power by which Moses parted the Red Sea, the same power by which Christ raised the dead, and the same power by which miracles have been performed throughout history. To those of the Mormon faith, specifically those who hold the priesthood, its keys, or simply the authority to act under those keys, I exhort you to try to understand the power that you hold. It is the power of God, and by maintaining your worthiness to exercise that power, miracles will manifest. I know this to be true.
I have born my witness, and now ask for anyone who has questions about what I have talked about, or simply want to share their experiences with and witness of the priesthood, feel free to do so.
Love,
Jacobugoth
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