Cattāri Brahmavihārā

…and Happy Uposatha! It may seem strange to people that I choose to quote from the New Testament for the uposatha day post but for whatever reason, I often have this phrase running through my head and this is especially so now given my aditthana to restrain the senses and the fact that it’s an uposatha day. And, of course, because I have made it a point to make an effort to resist the kilesas they have decided to redouble their efforts to swamp me.

The fact that I find myself working in a cafe in South Slope BK surrounded by young artsy types and hipsters is definitely working counter to my efforts which is why such a heavy-handed expression has popped into mind. I have had to literally wrench my eyes away from people and have been having the hardest time trying to ignore the aversion and/or craving which arises from the conversations taking place around me.

Anyway, I won’t bore you all with the minutiae of my forays into samma vayamo but I really do want to thank all of you who have shared your practice with me in the past weeks through comments and messages. I do apologize if I haven’t responded to you but please know you are all in my heart and I consider you all brothers and sisters in the Dhamma.

May we all find freedom from suffering and enjoy true happiness!