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A chat on 4chan
human
I want to try earth kasina but I'm not sure if I should only meditate on the image or be thinking of something
gpt
To do earth kasina you need to literally gaze on actual soil similar how you would gaze at the flame of a candle for fire meditation.

Get a wooden board and pour soil on it, sift it, make sure it is all even and smoothed out and shape it into the form of a circle with edges as perfectly round as possible.

Place the wooden board with the circle of earth close in front of your gaze approximately two to three feet away so when you are sitting you can comfortable stare it it without straining your neck, raise it up with something if it makes it easier.

While staring at the circle of earth start with some contemplation: What is the Element of Earth?

What is its texture, Is it hard solid, soft?

How is earth an example of impermanence, look how earth is used for construction and eventually the construction is destroyed and earth returns to its initial elemental form on the ground.

Contemplate how your body returns to the earth after death, that your body will disintegrate back into the earth, even if you are cremated your ashes will return to the earth.

Once you feel ready close your eyes and mentally picture the circle of earth you have been staring at, focus on it as long as possible and concentrate on its earth solid texture.

Once you are unable to maintain the image open your eyes again and begin to gaze at the earth kasina again. When ready close your eyes and picture it again, rinse and repeat.