Hence, we should be aware in daily life of our habit of contemplating things from a supposedly 'objective' point of view, and regarding others as holding 'subjective' views. For instance, people often offer me food that they think is good for me. Sometimes I will decline to eat it, and they will say "Shifu, this food is good for you. If you don’t eat it, you're not being objective." Are these people being objective or subjective? What they have done is objectively deny me my personal preference.

Direct Contemplation

In the method of direct contemplation, whatever you see or encounter, you do not apply any interpretation or judgment to it. You do not label or compare. You are just aware that this is this and this is going on. However, this is not prajna itself; all you can say is, "This is happening." Direct contemplation cannot be applied to solving your problems. When it comes down to what to do, "I don’t know" is a correct response. Therefore, direct contemplation, while a useful practice, does not lead to prajna.

Absolute Contemplation

The fourth prajna method is absolute contemplation. In fact, absolute contemplation is madhyamika-realizing emptiness to achieve liberation. In absolute contemplation, without imposing one's preferences, one applies common sense, experience, and skill in dealing with people's problems. The important thing is to perceive what is really going on, without reference to one's own likes or dislikes, and to do what is most appropriate to help someone. This involves communicating with and understanding that person, and doing what is most appropriate and beneficial