Like the vital conditions necessary for a plant to grow into fullness — when there is sense restraint, it unfolds into ethical conduct, then into right immersion, then into a true knowledge and vision, then into a disillusionment and dispassion, and then finally into a knowledge and vision of freedom!’ (AN 6.50)

Like the blossoming of a lotus!

The ascetic Gotama was thin as a skeleton, starving, and surviving off mere grains of rice. He had become so emaciated and weak that when he went down to the river, he wasn’t strong enough to get back out - and almost got washed away. 

Even if villains were to saw off your limbs, never stop embracing with your heart!

“Everyone wants to point a finger! But it’s everyone that shares the blame! If you are looking for it, everyone gives you a reason to put a knife in them! If you are looking for it, everyone shows you where! That’s how things get stopped, ascetic!” shouted Angulimala

This is a list of daily contemplations suggested the by Buddha!

Jaradhammomhi: I am of the nature to grow OLD!

Byadhidhammomhi: I am of the nature to get SICK!

Maranadhammomhi: I am of the nature to DIE!

Sabbehi me piyehi manapehi nanabhavo vinabhavo: Everything pleasing-charming to me becomes different, becomes not so!