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Let the Dharma Body Shine
The Dharma body (Sanskrit: Dharmakaya) is the indestructible body of the teachings and the practice, which the Buddha has transmitted to each disciple from ancient times, alongside the physical body that is subject to decay. The Dharma body shines most radiantly in the morning—when the mind is clear and the body is healthy—because at this time, each peaceful breath and each mindful step in walking meditation help to nourish the practice body. If our Dharma body is weak, we will not have enough solidity to generate joy, happiness, or to handle suffering. After about forty days of conditioning at Plum Village, the sound of the bell and the images of walking meditation become natural reflexes, reinforcing the Dharma body even when the sangha is not present.
The Dharma body is nourished not only during sitting meditation (thirty to forty-five minutes in the morning) but throughout all daily activities when we practice the four elements:
- letting go
- concentration
- mindfulness
-
insight
These help to generate the three core states—joy, happiness, and ease—and at the same time are concrete methods to face, embrace, and to transform suffering, avoiding the “second arrow” caused by our additional reactions. When the Dharma body is strong, we can nourish ourselves and radiate joy and peace to our family, our sangha, and society.