Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘First, as the body is fundamental, one should focus on a thorough awareness of the body… It is ultimately impermanent and never exists independently. Even though, while healthy, it seems to persist independently and substantially, it is (on closer inspection) ultimately insubstantial. The Vimalakirti Sutra says: “The body is like a floating cloud – in an instant it disappears.”

One should maintain an awareness of one’s own body as without substance; as purely an experience like a shadow, which can be seen but not grasped. Wisdom-awareness appears within this shadow. Ultimately without location, wisdom is unmoving, yet responds to all things, forever transforming. It produces the six senses and their realms of perception – all insubstantial, like dreams or illusions.’ (Essentials of Entering the Way and Pacifying the Mind)

Of course at this time of year, with traditions of eating heartily, it can be harder to remember that the body is without substance.