Pure Inspiration

Chittapala – 107
leaves and suññatā (voidness) in one’s empty room. One should respect
and be very careful when using Saṅgha (monastic community)
property.
In the first years, there must be solitude and the chance for complete
application to practice so that one can fulfil indriyasaṁvara (sense
restraint) and also to leave nothing incomplete in one’s vinaya training
and duties to one’s teacher. One’s present residence is a result of one’s
kamma, so one has to work out ways and means to overcome one’s
problems.
In the village one should avoid non-dhamma talk, although girls can
possibly be instructed in the dhamma. It is good to recite selections
about mātugāmā (women) and asubha because then it sticks in one’s
mind. See the asubha in the outer form: hair, skin etc. Get the
asubhanimitta (sign of the unattractive) in one’s mind. When one is
practised a little one can look at women, but if rāga (passion) arises,
just do internal contemplation until asubha is developed. It is difficult
not to look at or speak to women, but one should try to keep all one’s
attention on one’s practice. It is good from time to time to have
periods of non-speaking.
This body has been conditioned through innumerable lives with sex
urges being a major cause. Anusayas (underlying tendencies) are very
difficult to put away, especially when one is young. Seeing women just
nourishes rāgānusaya (underlying tendency to passion). This body is
enough trouble and dukkha. Why do you want more trouble? Most
actions in life are just to keep this body going. It needs physical
supports and nutrition, and thus we can’t avoid contact with women,