Question 54: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO THOROUGHLY CONTEMPLATE THE IMPERMANENCE OF THE BODY?

Answer: When we focus our attention on the body and become aware of it entirely, we gain increased mindfulness, which helps prevent distractions from wandering thoughts astray. However, as we direct our awareness to the body, an attachment to the body naturally arises, and we start to cherish the body more, which is a form of wrong view. Therefore, we must consciously contemplate that the body is impermanent, that it will age, fall ill, and eventually die. After death, the body will decay until nothing remains, not even the bones, which will also turn to dust.

By confronting the impermanence of the body, our attachment to it diminishes, as a result, our other desires also lessen. Attachment to the body is the foundation of ego-clinging; when our attachment to the body decreases, so does our attachment to the ego.

Contemplating the impermanence of the body not only reduces this attachment but also reinforces mindfulness. As we focus on the impermanence of the body, we simultaneously direct our attention to the lower body, further strengthening our mindfulness.

When we contemplate the impermanence of the body, we simultaneously maintain awareness of the body, which further strengthens mindfulness.

Later on, as mindfulness deepens and the mind becomes more tranquil, we will realize that the mind does not reside solely in the head; it encompasses the entire body.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…