Cattāri Brahmavihārā

This morning I took the opportunity to use my daily sit to focus on the charnel ground meditation as guided by Ajahn Achalo. This is a practice which I have experimented with over the years and I have even used the guided meditation he recorded at least a couple of times in the past. This morning, however, was a completely different experience. 

Whether because I have been spending more time on formal mediation, a result of my increased earnesty or something else, I was able to clearly visualize my body in various states of decomposition. I was surprised by the level of discomfort and noticed how I was unconsciously holding my breath as I visualized my body bloating and decaying. Were it not for the Ajahn’s reminders to breathe I may have even passed out. 

The more time I spend on asubha meditations the more I realize just how important they are for someone drowning in pleasant sense objects. It’s interesting to note that I had to force myself to do the charnel ground meditation this morning because I was really hankering after the warmth of metta. Yet another reason that one shouldn’t always follow one’s preferences nor what feels good when trying to wall the path.