Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I resolve today not to make a farce of my practice any longer. I resolve today not to allow my mind to play with baubles oh resentment, no matter how small our seemingly insignificant they may be. I resolve to make the practice of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity my main focus until I root out hatred or until I find myself freed of my familial obligations. 

If I’m unable to treat my own children with kindness, my understanding is limited and my practice is weak. By reflecting on death may I not take my opportunities for granted. By reflecting on aging, may I do my best to show love to all while I can before the years ruin my sight and rob me of my mind. By reflecting on sickness, may I take no one for granted.