It’s said that patience is the supreme incinerator of defilements and although I’ve always believed it I’ve never felt strong enough to practice it at home while everyone is being swept away by anger and irritation.
I can’t reiterate enough just how helpful the Eight Verses for training the mind and the lojong teachings in general have been for me. These teachings have helped me to change the way I frame my role in the world and allow me to endure things that I was unable to before. Why? Simply by changing my thinking. Accepting all blame and seeing myself as the least important person in the room may sound like bad above (it did to me at first) but doing so changes everything. Also, reflecting on the consequences of the answer is others around me and truly imagining vote they might fall into unfavorable rebirths has helped me to engender compassion and try my best not to inflame their anger anymore. And, finally, tonglen had been key, even if I am often dubious about it.
So, despite fasting with a headache and feeling feverish in 80 degree weather I am thankful for today’s victory.
May my pain and suffering in some way help to alleviate the pain and suffering of all beings.
May I take on the pain and suffering of all and share with them my merits, ease and comforts.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
I applaud you for your willingness to seek beyond the ingrained patterns of conditioning to another way of being.
By: Lorien on 06/23/2016
at 2:30 am