Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Aversion takes so many forms it seems. Animosity. Annoyance. Irritation. Fear. Depression. All of these, to me, seem to be expressions of the same desire to turn away from and avoid certain experiences but since I’m no expert on Abhidhamma my taxonomies and definitions may not be quite correct. Nevertheless, the brahma vihara phrase which taditionally follows niddukkho homi is avero homi and the translation I prefer is “May I be free of aversion.”  I have used “animosity” in place of “aversion” but it just seems to me that the former can only be logically applied to beings whereas the latter caan be applied to all dhammas (qua phenomena).

This morning’s sit and those which have preceded it (or at least those sections devoted to this brahma vihara technique) have not yet given rise to deep states of concentration but I have found that it has acquainted me with those places in the heart where metta and karuna reside. Furthermore, I was plleasantly surprised by my reaction to an unpleasant incident yesterday which reinforced my confidence in the utility of this technique.

In short, I had a brief encountered with someone on the floor of my office during which it was made pretty clear that this person held me in contempt. As I left the building and walked to the bank on 8th Ave I almost automatically began reciting niddukkho homi silently to myself and reflectiong on its meaning. And I realized that it’s useless to be angry with someone for not liking you and that holding my woundedness with karuna was the best way to resolve the situation. May we all be free from the three poisons and live in peace!