Cattāri Brahmavihārā

The more I work on the list of training rules that I have come to call the Abhaya-cariya precepts (I ask your indulgence here as I find that there is a certain inspirational power in using names such as “Fearless Conduct”) the less certain I am that it is correct to call them a code of Buddhist chivalry. And yet, what oher term is there to describe a practice intended to enoble one’s view and behavior for the sake of the greater good and personal liberation? Call me a romantic (something which I am not often accused of) but it seems to me that my idea of how these precepts might work if I am able to follow them in letter and spirit is analogous to my childhood idea of the good knight errant who travels about doing good and saving damsels in distress. Only in this case the damsels might be better thought of as homeless people or even one’s own heart of loving-kindness and the dragons hatred, apathy and desperation. But,  even if I am kidding myself the whole idea still seems like skillful means that will obtain good result.

In the end I intend to compile a list of thirty-six (chatinsa if I’ve got my Pali right) precepts and that number is fast approaching. I added three additional training rules today, one which appeared as an aditthana in my Daily Practice Outline (dealing with not using media that inflames lust or hatred), one which I have used in the past as an occasional practice on uposatha days (giving to at least one person a day) and a third which may seem a little more controversial. The last rule I added today asks me to refrain being alone with a. Ember of th opposite sex and is meant to both preclude the possibility of anything untoward ever happening and even the suspicion thereof. It may seem backwards but if I have learned anything absolutelyut the defilements it’s that they can arise withoit warning and swamp the undeveloped mind. Perhaps one of their greatest tricks is to convince you that they’re not so strong after all qnd that there’s truly nothing to worry about until its too late. What’s more this rule exists in the Vinaya and is also a custom in Islam as well so I’m in good company.

Anyway, I thank all of you who are reading and if anyone has any comments or suggestions about this whole endeavor I would love to hear them. Be well!