Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I will be the first to admit that my practice is lacking in terms of enthusiasm and energy and that I often lose the thread of mindfulness soon after I get up from the cushion and yet there is something to be said for continuity. A Kagyu Lama with whom I correspond gave me the advice that the best way to clear obscurations and lay the groundwork for deeper, more committed practice was to commit to formal practice everyday even if that means five minutes. Being the stone-headed person I am I was initially unimpressed and thought to myself “that’s the best you’ve got?” But as time passes I see how wise these words are. As I continue to practice and incline the mind towards truth, wisdom and compassion I see it arise in the most mundane situations as if effortlessly. I used to be fooled by the illusion that care, concern and empathy arise from nothing but as my faith in kamma deepens I begin to believ that I enjoy these states and perceptions as fruits of the practice.

May we never give up hope or doubt the benefits of the Dhamma.