Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I have made the determination or aditthana to practice the brahmaviharas at all times and have been enjoying much more ease as a result. This is especially true during the many and varied encounters we have with various drivers, guides, shopkeepers and service people. Whereas I have, in the past, been prone to negativity and suspicion in my dealings with these people on the street I am now able to negotiate without the added burden of hatred. That, in itself, is well worth even the hackneyed practice I am capable of here.

And yet, for all its benefits it can still be tiring to try to constantly cultivate a heart of care, kindness and concern at all times. I have experienced this before and have never been sure of what to do but am beginning to feel my way into a kind of practice that takes into consideration my own needs for kindness and compassion just as much as any other being’s. So, when I begin to tire or the dailly life practice seems to be getting dry I have been turning to myself with better results. Whether the moment calls for simple awareness, mindfulness of breathing of metta-karuna for myself I am able to incline there out of kindness and not try to forcefully radiate metta to others. May I value kindness and compassion above all else and may I bring an end to suffering.