Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I have been finding my “pep talk walks” fraught with doubt and have been despairing somewhat about my ability to contemplate my goodness on a regular basis. The difficulties are myriad of course but the most common obstacle I come up against time and again is the pernicious view that I need to be absolutely spotless in my conduct in order to reflect on my goodness.

Take this morning for example: my wife and I got into an argument which I ended in a somewhat dramatic fashion. Obviously I am not proud with the way I handled it but does that negate any of the good I did before or after? It’s not merely a rhetorical device but something I need to hold in my heart until I have an answer that is in line with the Dhamma. It’s clear, however, that although it would be better for me had I restrained myself I am yet capable of doing new acts of goodness and creating new kamma.

May we have confidence in our intentions and our ability to walk the path.