Cattāri Brahmavihārā

As fasting enters its fourth day I find myself more confused and in doubt about certain aspects of mind-training. I find that I’m not ready to accept the way in which the Tibetan Buddhist teachers I listen to define Buddhahood or the idea that one must become a Buddha to save all beings. Looking at the Pali Canon, we can clearly see that the Lord Buddha almost decided not to declare the Dhamma because he was uncertain that there were enough beings in the world ready for it. And, n another example of his unwillingness to stick around when people were being obstinate and pig-headed was during the bhikkhus’ quarrel at Kosambi. In the end, the Lord just told them to do what ethy would but he was leaving.

And yet, there is so much experiential truth in the lojong teachings that I find invaluable. Taking the blame upon myself and exchanging myself for others is both opening my heart in unexpected ways and making me a better husband and father. By bearing with criticisms, seeing the truth in them and learning from them I have avoided unnecessary conflict and been able to defuse conflict before it arises. So, I will continue learning an put metaphysical matters to the side for now. I certainly don’t need to believe in the store-house consciousness or the bhumis to make great use of these trainings. May our practice bring u to the end of suffering fro our own good and the good of all beings.