Cattāri Brahmavihārā

My idea of what engaged Buddhism might mean for me has gone through a rather quick, if not involuntary, evolution in the last few months. I see now that my view of engaged Buddhism was more a product of my own privilege than anything else. When all else is taken care and one has the freedom to pursue the Dhamma as one sees fit, then there is no reason to make a concerted effort trying to effect change in the outer world. Of course, what is unbearable for one may be of little consequence to another so I can’t speak about shoulds and oughts of an imagined engage Buddhism. 

For me, it is coming to mean a practice that cultivates the heart, opens to all beings with a special interest in those who would do me and mine harm. It is about bearing witness and protecting the vulnerable without could’ve but with my body if necessary. Engaged Buddhism is truly an affair of the heart ave it’s ever a work in progress.