Three monks walking a path.
The first is overly cognizant of their every action. They attempt to never crush or injure any tiny animal or insect underfoot. Their path commonly pauses and weaves as they place each foot into any available space between caterpillars.
The last also hesitates, hops, and lands. Their attempt, however, is to aim every one of their steps so as to kill as many caterpillars as circumstance might place upon their path.
The middle rarely looks down. They walk as straight a path as efficiently practical, only altering stride to avoid mud puddles or navigate obstacles.
This middle monk realizes, at times, that cleaning caterpillar guts from between their toes could be avoided if they were more like the first monk. But they only choose to do so when there are almost none visible. When caterpillars crowd the path, the middle monk re-prioritizes efficiency and rationalizes their actions—as they return their gaze to the horizon—that the few squished by happenstance are outnumbered by the mass who survive to become butterflies. Contemplate this allegory.
If the actual practice of a contemplation exercise is something unfamiliar, follow these steps:
In a place without distractions, close your eyes and imagine the events depicted.
As you picture each monk, consider what might be their motivations if you interpreted the story in a way that was as close-to-literal as imaginable (and the three were actual Jainists).
Decide which monk you most identify with and why you are less comfortable with pretending to be inside the head of the other two.
Now consider what abstract concept the story might be encouraging you to understand. Consider other parables containing three characters (Three Blind Mice; The Three Little Pigs; The Three Bears; The Three Billy Goats Gruff; et cetera).
Once the above steps are complete, stop contemplating and read the Three Monks Addendum which provides an answer to the fourth step.
Resume contemplating with the first task in mind to re-evaluate step three. Allow your mind to wander. Allow your concentration to play.
If your mind reminds you of urges your body would like to be satisfied (future self thoughts) return your contemplation to the monk you least identify with and consider their opinion of the monk you might aspire to become in a perfect world.
If your mind recollects memories your body once experienced (past self thoughts) switch your contemplation to the event outside your ears between each heartbeat.
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