Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Working with this meditation we are asked to use meaningful (to us of course) phrases during the formal practice and to forgive whatever comes up in the course of the day. Naturally, I quickly rebelled and all manner of doubts arose when I first began the practice but I can both see some and imagine even more benefits that might accrue from such a labor so I am sticking with it.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the instructions is where we are asked to forgive ourselves for whatever it is we are working on (e.g. “I forgive myself for my mistakes”) and then to radiate loving-kindness into that and to stay with that feeling of metta-karuna until it fades or our minds become distracted. Not only have I accessed real tenderness for myself in this way but, provided one follows the instructions, it is rather difficult to slip into a mantra-like recitation of the words.

As it stands I have only just begun to work with this form of forgiveness meditation but I am impressed with its compactness and utility so I am inspired to see it through and, hopefully, do another online retreat using it as my theme.

Sabbe satta sukhitaa hontu!