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Three contemplations, practised every day
Key takeaway
Contemplation is not a last-minute prayer. Practise it until it is familiar, and when the moment comes the thought turns by itself.
Contemplation is not a last-minute prayer. Practise it until it is familiar, and when the moment comes the thought turns by itself.
Explaining the precept against sexual misconduct, Bhikshuni Heng Gui gave three contemplations. The first: see older women as mothers, peers as sisters, younger ones as daughters. The second: see beauty as an enemy and a poison, more dangerous than tigers or snakes, because it causes suffering for aeons. The third: see that beauty is only thin skin over flesh, blood, pus and filth. She stressed that these must be practised in ordinary times, not when the situation is already upon you, when it is too late.
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