Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

previous three are included. This we may call "total
samapatti." The totality method which is described in
some sastras but not taught by them as a bridge, is used
by us in this way to go from the Hinayana meditations
across to those of the Mahayana.
4. How to Meditate Diligently on These
We are advised by six similes on how to do this.
a. First: Just as a thirsty person always longs for water,
so we should meditate that we may drink the ambrosia
of sunyata to end cravings.
b. Second: Just as a hungry person craves only for food,
in this way we should meditate to obtain spiritual food
from our realization.
c. Third: Just as a person overcome by the heat desires a
cool wind, so we should meditate that the heat of our
desires lessens with the attainment of the cool of
Nirvana.
d. Fourth: In the cold weather, a shivering person wants
the sunshine to warm him or her in this way; we, devoid
of wisdom, should meditate that the sun of wisdom may
warm us.
e. Fifth: One who is in the darkness needs a lamp to see
the way; so we who are in the darkness of ignorance
291