Cattāri Brahmavihārā

This morning was a tough sit. I woke up in early enough to get work done and a full half-hour of formal meditation in but my entire session was dogged by memories of past unskillful deeds I had done and to which, unfortunately, I found myself still somewhat attracted. I applied the tried and true antidotes with success but more and more memories came rolling in. Realizing I needed to do something to at least combat the darkening of my mind I tried to look a  my own goodness and generosity but was stymied there by the same negativity that was threatening to extinguish any light in my heart.

It was then that I realized how fortunate I am to have received the Teachings and to have taken them to heart. How, the person I have become now, has a security an protection that the me of 20 years ago could not fathom. I can still remember thinking there was nothing wrong with a lie, with drinking and even with petty theft in certain situations (craziness, right?). And I wonder why, as I drank, drugged, fought and womanized my way through high school and college why I was so unhappy?

These precepts are the basis of the Path and a true protection for self and all beings. What is metta if not acting in a way that shows care and concern fro oneself and others? It seems crazy to me but I have never pondered just how meaningful the panca sila really are and how deep they go until this morning. May we all deepen our commitment to the Path and putting an end o suffering for ourselves and all beings through our perfection of sila, samadhi and panna.

Buddham Dhamma Sangham namassami!