Cadcam Posted 6 hours ago As a person begins to retract from wanting, one of the first things to go is lust. In order for this to subside, one must be free from the draw of beauty. When beauty dies, so too does the preference for it over things that are not beautiful to a person. This can lead in all sorts of directions.  For myself, I find that I am no longer compassionate, I do not have the empathy I once did. It takes a lot for me to be moved by either beauty or suffering. I find that life plays out like a movie that I have no attachment to: I'm just viewing it and not moved by it. This liberation can lead to negative behavior. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith108 Posted 5 hours ago This is just my 2 cents.  A lack of compassion and empathy is a sign of directionless practice. It's a kind of practice sickness that, as the OP noted, can lead to negative behavior.  This is actually something I struggle with personally sometimes. With just a wave of hand and "it's all samsara", it becomes easy to not give shit. After practice last night, while reciting the Four Great Vows, I noticed I paid a little more attention to it than usual. Not sure why. It's a good reminder for what and for whom we practice.  Anyway, ymmv.  _/}\_  Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
