Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Think: “The reason that I have not yet been released from these problems is that from beginningless time I have cherished myself and renounced others. From now on, I’m going to live my life only with bodhichitta. I’m going to cherish others.” Think this to yourself and know that this is the source of all happiness.

To what extent is this true? It seems to me that it speaks to something I have a hard time putting a finger on. I’m usually so busy trying to rearrange the world to reduce the anxiety it produces that others are always a second thought. Until I come to the understanding that the path to peace is cleared largely by the brahmaviharas and that others aren’t afterthoughts I’m pretty certain my progress will be slow.

And yet I still lack wisdom to understand that compassion and metta don’t mean simply sacrifice oneself on the altars of others’ pleasures. May I cultivate a boundless heart and the wisdom to put it to good use.