Sit in a quiet place and meditate in imagination that body…
““Sit in a quiet place and meditate in imagination that body is no more bondage to you, that it is your machine for your work of life, that you are not flesh, that you are the governor of it, that you can use it at pleasure, and that it always obeys your order faithfully. Imagine body as separated from you. When it cries out, stop it instantly, as a mother does her baby. When it disobeys you, correct it by discipline, as a master does his pupil. When it is wanton, tame it down, as a horse-breaker does his wild horse. When it is sick, prescribe to it, as a doctor does to his patient. Imagine that you are not a bit injured, even if it streams blood; that you are entirely safe, even if it is drowned in water or burned by fire. E-Shun,””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes mastering the body through disciplined imagination, treating it as a tool that obeys the mind’s commands.
In simple terms: Control your body by mental discipline.
Use disciplined imagination to master your body.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- sports training
- stress management
- creative work
- recovery from injury
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you truly separate mind and body?
- What are the risks of extreme self-control?
Physical limits may still impose constraints.