Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Last night was the first time in a long time that I was able to go to a group meditation and Dhamma talk in person. It turned out to be a really good thing and I’m grateful to Bhante Suddhaso and Giovanna Maselli for making it happen.

What was interesting was the account of turbidity in the heart both preparing to go straight after work and settling in once there. I had thought that I was making real progress at home but being surrounded by a group of Dhamma seekers brought up lots of old demons and kilesas I assumed had been forgotten. Silly of me really but true nonetheless.

There was the familiar old judgemental mind. There was anxious mind. Self-conscious mind. And, of course, plain old aversive mind. Luckily, I saw them for what they were and was able to rise myself to practice samma vayamo and fight back.

In short, the the Dhamma desana was excellent, the meditation great but the real lessons were taught by my own kilesas. As such, I hope to find time for more group practice soon. Bhavatu sabba mangalam.