Seeds of Contemplation

We have a bumper crop of bee plant (Cleomella serrulata) this year, so that requires us to do a bit of work if we want to conserve seeds for replanting and giving away. Of course, we are happy to do so; a practice we undertake to increase habitat for pollinators next year. When seeds are ready to harvest, Tarn and I patiently pluck the pods and rub them, coaxing the long, narrow vessels to release the tiny black pinhead-sized kernels. We notice some of the seeds are not sufficiently mature, so they will not sprout. They are easily recognized by their white or light-colored appearance.

Initially, all seeds go together onto a tray, and we ‘winnow’ away bits of debris by gently blowing across the surface. This allows the wind to carry away the lighter stuff. The winnowed seeds then go into a wide flat bowl so we can begin the task of separating the unripe from the viable. I experiment with various kinds of tweezers to find a point profile that easily grabs the immature seeds which I toss in the compost. It is a tedious operation, but I manage to find a rhythm of plucking and tossing.

I often hear people express impatience with situations like this, deeming them ‘boring’. Sometimes it is a repetitive task, or maybe standing in a long line at the grocery checkout. I remember experiencing that kind of boredom, but that was a long time ago. Now, when faced with situations I might’ve considered tedious in the past, my practice automatically kicks in. One of my spiritual mentors frequently reminded me that occasions like this are great opportunities for mantras and meditation.

In this moment, the repetitive action of seed-plucking merges with the repetition of the mantra, OM MANE PADME HUNG, and I feel my heart intimately connected to bee plants and pollinators. This sense of interconnection transforms into a prayer for all beings. All the seeming complexities of spiritual practice collapse into the simplicity of mental focus and intention. This kind of mindfulness always elicits a compassionate view of the world. It is a liturgy, a call and response; hearing the echo of love and wishing to express it—one seed at a time.