Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Last night I volunteered to manage the evening meditation session with the group I have been attending for yeears. The teacher (and most of the students) had just returned from an eight day retreat and was completely energized which, despite my own fatigue and problems, was inspiring nonetheless. The talk was great and really delved into the nuts and bolts of anapanasati as the group practices it but the thing that stuck in my mind was the discussion that followed the talk which centered on the quality of one’s own voice while fabricating perceptions during meditation. It may not be obvious that this is important in anapanasati practice (although it certainly seems to be to me) but it is blatantly clear when it comes to the forgiveness practice that I am undertaking for at least the next week.

What is the sound of your inner voice when you meditate? What is it throughout the day? Is it like a tyrant o