Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Times are tough and,  in all honesty, I only expect them to get tougher. Right now, blinded by the strange circumstances and stress of the COVID pandemic, it is easy to forget that we still have a climate racing towards catastrophe and an economy that will soon be in a full recession or depression. Knowing that, I think it’s it’s important to ask myself what I truly need to be happy?

I was texting with a bhikkhu friend last night who mentioned how glad he was to be a monk at a time like this when people like me stand to lose everything. As painful as that sounds, however, what is really mine anyway? These things, this apartment that I rent, these children who I love, feed and dote on — none of these are mine, they are uncertain and are subject to change at any time. I have no control over this. What I do have a modicum of control over and what I can develop is my attitude to these things. I can find an inner refuge that remain unaffected by the vicissitudes and that, more than anywhere else, is where I should put my energy.

May we meet the ripening of our kamma with bravery and wisdom. May we remain untroubled in the midst of catastrophe.