About This Answer
A meditator keeping the eight precepts describes laying out the 32 parts of the body in concentration, then seeing them as the four elements. On opening their eyes, the meditator saw the teacher's face with dark hollows where the eyes should be, felt fear, and could not look at anyone for a day. Should they keep going?
The answer given is that contemplating the 32 parts, asubha (unattractiveness) or the elements can bring such images, in or out of meditation, like seeing people without eyes. These spontaneous phenomena arise so the mind can see the true nature of the body and let go of attachment to it. Fear appears when mindfulness and concentration are not yet firm.
The practice is correct. What matters most is keeping peacefulness and practising steadily: developing mindfulness and concentration and, when the mind is peaceful, taking up the body again. Continuous practice builds skill in body contemplation and strengthens mindfulness and concentration.