Cattāri Brahmavihārā

The Dhamma is, in so many ways, ateaching that goes against the grain. Whether it be the values of society, the prevalent currents of theistic religions or our desires to reify our notions of self the Dhamma runs directly counter to most everything we encounter in our lives. There is something altogether refreshing about this fact and it’s not solely due to its novelty and uniqueness.

What got me thinking about this theme was the repeated realization that I have been spending so much of my time worrying and pondering about my work and financial situation that I have let my practice get away from me. Although I have remained faithful to my meditation schedule I seem to have, at times, completely lost the spirit of it. This realization struck me rather hard as I had always entertained the idea that I would stay to true to the Dhamma despite the outward circumstances. Sadly, this simply has not been the case.

So, I formally recommit myself to going against the grain and to being of service to all beings and my fellow man in the pursuit of purity and in the service of ultimate liberation. Sabbe satta sukhita hontu!