Question

If you feel desire when you see someone attractive is it ok to reflect that you have a partner already? They have good physical qualities - so have I, they have some less good physical qualities - so have I, they have some good mental qualities -so have I, they have some negative mental qualities - so have I, they were different before - so was I, they will change - so will I, they are subject to aging, disease and death - so am I, they experience mental and physical Dukkha - so do I, we are just two human beingsā€¦?

Answer

Yes, it is good to go beyond your desire to compassion. Sometimes in interviews there are people who are really getting carried away with a VR. I ask them, "What do you like most, the dirt under their toe nails or what? Their nose?" So it's good sometimes to reflect on the different parts of the body at this time if you have a partner and to understand their attractiveness is only skin deep. And, it is good also to get to Compassion by seeing that they are suffering, so that you get past your desire, inappropriate desire. And it is good to reflect on Kamma as well.

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