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Sangha and the Laser Beam

Thich Nhat Hanh · December 6, 2005 · Plum Village, France · Audio Only
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Each time we hear the bell or sit in meditation, the practice consists of three main steps to invite all the cells in our body to participate, not just the ears and consciousness:

  • listen to the bell as a signal to generate *mindfulness* that permeates the brain cells, heart, kidneys, skin, and so on
  • allow *concentration* to spread like a laser beam—that is, photons coming into phase in a common *field*, behaving as a single photon
  • from that unified state arises a powerful *energy of concentration*, capable of cutting through attachments, bringing joy, freedom, and non-self

This concept has been demonstrated by quantum science and neuroscience through two examples:

  1. a laser operates thanks to stimulated emission of radiation—photons are stimulated to emit in phase, creating a powerful beam of light
  2. the formation of a *Bose-Einstein condensate* at a temperature of -273.15°C causes atoms to lose their individuality and behave as a unified mass
  3. PET scans show that happiness increases activity in the left frontal lobe, while anger activates the right frontal lobe—meaning we can transform anger into loving-kindness

Practicing sitting meditation, walking meditation, or mindful eating can all help us reach the state of cellular coherence, bringing peace and healing to the body, while also transforming individual habits into the collective energy of the sangha.

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