The Work of the Mind Made with a Borrowed Body

Today's teaching begins with a metaphor that came to mind while watching a temple practice place being lent as a filming location. A film crew borrows the space, prepares, shoots, edits, and makes a work through their own effort. The place becomes a background, but the completion of the work depends on how they use it.

Our body is like this. This body is less an object that I possess forever than a practice place temporarily borrowed for use. The body is precious. When we are healthy, we can move, learn, work, and practice. But if the mind is tied only to body shape or outward appearance, it is easy to forget the way to use the body properly.

This does not mean we should treat the body carelessly. Just as a film crew handles its equipment and location with care, we too should look after the body healthily and manage it neatly. What matters, however, is what we do through that body. The heart of the matter is to use the body as a basis to govern the mind, broaden wisdom, and deepen practice.

A good work is not made by a good background alone. Preparation, direction, and sincerity must be present together. Our life is the same. According to what thoughts we cultivate each day, what words we speak, and what mind we polish while borrowing the background of the body, the work of the mind becomes different.

Today, try neither to dislike the body nor cling to it excessively. Care for the body as a precious practice place borrowed for a while, and also examine what kind of work of the mind you are making with it. When a healthy body and right practice meet, wisdom gradually deepens.