What is Samu?
Traditionally Samu (作務) is participation in the physical work needed to maintain the Zen monastery. According to tradition, it was emphasized by Baizhang Huaihai, who is credited with establishing an early set of rules for Chan (Chinese Zen) monastic discipline, the Pure Rules of Baizhang. As the Zen monks farmed, it helped them to survive the third wave of the Great Anti-Buddhism Persecution (845AD), more than other sects which relied more on donations given whilst "begging" during Takuhatsu. The rules of Chan are still used today in many Zen monasteries. From this text comes the well-known saying "A day without work is a day without food" (一日不做一日不食 "One day not work, one day not eat"). Now that might be a little extreme by Western standards, but it does show how important mindful work is in Ch’an/Zen practice. Samu is also written as Samou. Samue (作務衣) is the work clothing of Japanese Buddhist monks, worn when engaged in samu.
In Zen Buddhism today, great importance is still placed on working for the community. Such work is done in the spirit of generosity and devotion. The collective energy of practising Zen Buddhists still allows for the founding of numerous dojos and monasteries. Samu is essential for the daily workings of such establishments. Cooking, cleaning the premises, preparing bouquets of flowers for the alters... all of these tasks are carried out in the spirit of generosity - a core value of Buddhism. During sesshins - meditation retreats - time is devoted to samu, allowing participants to work in concentration and silence, one step at a time. It is a way of carrying zazen (meditation) off the zafu (cushion): with the simple act of performing duties with a complete concentration of body and mind, life becomes simple and serene. "Chop wood, carry water".
However, as a member of an online sangha, there is no such physical functionality and community to support. The Sangha is virtual, and yet we do support one another as we can. We also support ourselves and our families with the daily running of our households - washing the pots, financial matters, cleaning the toilet, and making the bed are all forms of samu. As was the logo design and website building that I did for the Sangha.
Similarly, the work and activities we do in the communities we touch can be Samu.
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