The Twenty-Five Preliminary Ways & Means

The Twenty-Five Preliminary Ways & Means
for Observation of the Mind, Page Four

From The Calm-Observation, Volume Four...

The Rejection of the Five Sensory Desires

The eyes have cravings for forms, the images of substance. These include the images of beautiful people and precious treasures. When sick these forms are like molten balls of gold. Upon holding them one will burn.
The ears have cravings for voices, the images without substance. This includes those that are enticing, flattering and spellbinding as well as those that are lewd and unpleasant. It also includes the sounds of percussion, string and wind musical instuments as well as bells and chimes. When sick these voices are like the beating of poison drums. Upon listening to them, there will be certain death.
The nose has cravings for fragrances. This includes those that are luxurient and thick like orchid and balm, musk, and perfumes as well as the aroma of growing things and the male and female body. When sick these fragrances are like the vapors emanating from vicious dragons. Upon smelling them one will become sick.
The tongue is drawn to flavors. This includes alcoholic spirits, meats, rare and exotic foods, rich, fatty and juicy gravies, and flavors that are sweet, sour, bitter and salty. When sick these flavors are like scalding water, burning the tongue. They are also like a knives - upon licking them one will be injured.
The body is attached to contacts. These include those that are cool and warm, delicate and smooth, light and heavy, hard and soft as well as all manner of fine garments and the bodies of men and women. When sick these contacts are like a reposed lion - upon getting too close, one will be devoured.

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