Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Merry Christmas and Happy Uposatha! What a strange combination and how much more strange to be alone in my apartment in NYC without the slightest hint of winter or the voices of my kids. Since we’re really a Buddhist-Muslim family Christmas isn’t supposed to be a big deal for us so my wife took the kids to visit her abuelita in Florida (someone who definitely is Catholic and to whom it does matter). Still, I spent half of my life as a lapsed Catholic and these habits die hard so, in between meditation sessions or walks outside looking for someone to help, I have felt a little down.

May we all ring in the new year with love in our hearts and never allow fear to overwhelm us. May we be courageous in the face of adversity, patient with those who would anger us and forebear the myriad pains of samsara. Merry Christmas!