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Being a Cell in the Body of the Buddha
Contemplating the body as a collection of cells: each cell carries the heritage of our ancestors, has a protective membrane, selects and produces its own adenosine triphosphate energy to nourish the whole body. Looking into the Discourse on the Contemplation of the Body, the four elements—earth, water, air, and fire—manifest as living cells, each with its own life, working silently and in harmony without discrimination. The Sangha is the same: each member is a “cell” that nourishes itself, communicates, and cooperates to nourish the collective, with no one giving orders or being more important than anyone else.
In our practice, there are five core sources of energy that must be continuously generated, in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics (energy disperses if not renewed):
- faith
- diligence
- mindfulness
- concentration
- insight
Every step from the residence to the meditation hall, every breath, every task—from cooking rice to inviting the bell—are opportunities to regenerate these five sources of energy. Resting, solo retreats, or practicing noble silence are also forms of practice, if we know how to relax and use our time with mindfulness. The Sangha is like a beehive without a leader; the “queen bee” only has the function of reproduction, while the worker bees build the hive and collect nectar: a harmonious model without competition, a vivid illustration for a practicing community.