About a month back I wrote that I was scaling back my aims and resolved to focus more intensely on the basic precepts and gradual training. The idea was that I would be able to more easily uproot and counter the defilements but removing the pressure from my spiritual practice. Turns out, however, that I just may need that kind of pressure to progress.
You see, whoever I drop the motivation to practice for others, to focus on myself I end up wreaking havoc in my daily life. If I were an anagarika or lived alone I doubt I would need such an other-focused practice but it seems that current circumstances call for it.
It seems that the only way to avoid creating akusala kamma is to intentionally use the obstacles, irritations and annoyances of daily life as the path and the Tibetan lojong and Mahayana teachings offer a way to do that. So, back with grand aspirations and lofty ideals. May we all succeed in our noble aims!
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
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