Fantasy Corruption

This practice is designed to help you let go of a fantasy or obsession. The guidance will focus on imagining a person in a way that is unappealing, so as to groove new patterns in your brain towards that person. This practice is grounded in the contemplation of the body as taught by the Buddha.

Transcript

Hello.

This practice is grounded in the contemplation of the body taught by the Buddha.

It's not a practice that's very popular in the West,

Where we worship beauty and desire.

Yet it can be an effective antidote to fantasy and its craving.

It's not meant to condition the mind to see bodies as ugly,

Only to relieve craving and grasping at beauty.

Let's practice.

Bring to mind the image of the person you wish to let go of.

Notice what sensations arise.

Is there craving?

Does it feel like you're being pulled towards this person?

Perhaps demanding you take some action.

Notice how your thoughts change related to this image.

Are they racing?

Demanding?

Just sit with this energy a moment.

Know that you don't have to do anything about it.

Now,

Begin to think of this person doing something repulsive.

Be as gross as you can with it.

Something that will corrupt the fantasy.

It can be a physically disgusting act,

Or something morally repugnant,

Or both.

Notice the sensations in your body now.

Notice your thoughts.

Do you resist imagining them in this way?

This is clinging.

Notice clinging.

Now imagine them sickening,

Becoming very ill,

Skin changing colors.

Perhaps they're coughing up a bunch of mucus.

Imagine them withering away from sickness.

And notice your body's reaction to seeing them this way.

Now imagine them becoming very old,

And their beauty turning to wrinkles.

Imagine them toothless.

Imagine them with dementia.

How's the craving now?

Use this practice on the go when you find yourself hooked into a fantasy.

I've used it myself throughout the days to great benefit.

Thanks for your practice.