Cattāri Brahmavihārā

It’s not often that, at least in Vipassana/Theravada circles, one hears much about devotion. It’s my opinion, however, that my practice would have never truly taken root had it not become more than a purely intellectual pursuit. For years now, I begin my day with a morning puja-bowing three times before a Buddha-rupa while reciting Namo tassa bhagavato arahato samma sambuddhassa then taking the refuges and precepts. I cannot emphasize enough how strongly I feel that faith and confidence in the Buddha a the supreme teacher of gods and men is a requisite on the path but, in the end, that’s just my personal opinion.

But, you may be asking, what does this have to do with the brahma viharas? As I have alluded to several times now, the cultivation of gratitude seems to me to be part and parcel of the development of mudita or, at the very least, provisional in its development. Following this logic, to whom should we have more gratitude than the Lord Buddha? I often begin my cultivation of gratitude by reflection on the blessings of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and, in fact, Buddhanussati is one of the 40 traditional meditation themes outlined in the Visuddhimagga and is even cited in the suttas.

“When a noble disciple contemplates upon the Enlightened One, at that time his mind is not enwrapped in lust, nor in hatred, nor in delusion. At such a time his mind is rightly directed towards the Perfect One (Tathagata). And with a rightly directed mind the noble disciple gains enthusiasm for the goal, enthusiasm for the Dhamma, gains the delight derived from the Dhamma. In him thus delighted, joy arises; to one who is joyful, body and mind become calm; calmed in body and mind, he feels at ease; and if at ease, the mind finds concentration. Such a one is called a noble disciple who among humanity gone wrong, has attained to what is right; who among a humanity beset by troubles, dwells free of troubles.”

— AN 6.10

So, although recollection of the Buddha and devotional practices may not be, themselves, practices which directly cultivate the brahma viharas we can certainly develop our faculties of gratitude and appreciation by frequently reflecting on the virtues and good qualities of the Tiratana.  May you be well, happy and peaceful!