Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Posted by: Michael | 10/10/2014

The Elixir

I have been having a rough go of it lately for no reason in particular apart from the obvious attribution of everything that happens to my kamma. I have been failing to maintain my practice commitments and this, along with the general lack of energy, had conspired to leave me pretty desperate from time to time. And yet, through it all my touchstone had been the Dhamma and whatever meditation I can scramble together every morning.

It surely had not been pretty but slowly the realization is dawning that kindness, compassion and acceptance are the only lasting solutions. How is it that I forget it time and again when this magic elixir lies so close to hand? May we yet ourselves with the same kindness that we wish to lavish upon others.

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Forgiveness, Karuna, Metta, Mudita, Theravada, Upekkha | Tags: acceptance, kindness, Peace

Posted by: Michael | 10/09/2014

When to Speak about the Dhamma

281. The Venerable Sariputta said: “When one who teaches wishes to teach another, let him establish well five things and then teach. What five?
Let him think: ‘I will speak at the right time, not at the wrong time. I will speak about what is, not about what is not. I will speak with gentleness, not with harshness. I will speak about the goal, not about what is not the goal. I will speak with a mind filled with love, not with a mind filled with ill-will.’ When one who teaches wishes to teach another, let him establish well these five things.”

Anguttara Nikaya III.195

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Posted in Dhamma

Posted by: Michael | 10/07/2014

Attached

Funny how we delude ourselves (or how I delude myself). Regardless of how much I read the Dhamma and try to put into practice the various insights I have gained nothing quite works to dislodge the attachmentI have to gain. This is not to say that my practice is for naught but that I still have lifetimes to go.

I know and have experienced first-hand just how uncertain one’s material welfare is and, even having learned this much, I still overwork myself in the pursuit of financial security. Why do I not believe it will all go one day? Why do I cling so? Ignorance I suppose but until that day that wisdom dawns I will do my best to fight up stream.

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Daily Practice, Dhamma, Dukkha, Practice at Work, Theravada | Tags: overwork, wisdom

Posted by: Michael | 10/06/2014

Doing What Is Hard

For whatever reason, call it lifetimes of conditioning, I never cease to be surprised by the fact that the practice and doing the right thing is often times hard. I can’t explain it but there is a tacit assumption in the mind that doing the right thing should always be easy when, in fact, it rarely is.

This morning I woke up and and I came to my senses could feel that something was up. The energy of my mind and thoughts was disordered and when I mediated I was constantly struggling to brighten the mind. I was lucky enough to see what was happening and to have had the wherewithal to right against it. As difficult and tiresome as it has been, I have checked my speech and irritation with many children and have remained committed to radiating metta despite how hollow it feels.

So, yes, my practice feels like a cheap facsimile of a “real” Dhammafarer’s but what better choice is there?

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Posted in Aditthana, Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Theravada | Tags: right effort, tired

Posted by: Michael | 10/06/2014

Loving-kindness

278. If, for just as long as it takes to snap a finger, a monk thinks, develops and gives attention to the thought of love, then such a one is called a true monk. His meditation is not barren. He abides following the Teacher’s instructions. He is one who takes good advice and eats the country’s alms-food to good purpose. What then could I say of one who makes much of such a thought?

Anguttara Nikaya I.10

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Posted by: Michael | 10/03/2014

Overwhelmed

Like the ebb and flow of the tidess or the turn of the seasons my energy level is cyclic and it seems that I have hit a trough. Whereas I normally feel capable of juggling a variety of work and practice commitment I have lately been feeling overwhelmed and overworked.

But rather than causing additional suffering over it I am grateful to at least have the presence of mind to simply be aware of it and hold it with compassion. May I always cleave to kindness and compassion regardless, finding in them a true refuge and protection from harm.

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Gratitude, Karuna, Metta, Theravada | Tags: cyclic, ebb and flow

Posted by: Michael | 10/02/2014

Grateful for the Help

It’s sad but true that I do not recognize, let alone acknowledge, the goodness in my life often enough. In particular, I feel that I have been remiss when it comes to being grateful for the teachings and good advice of all the many beinhs in my life.

Far too often I have labored under the mistaken notion that my spiritual practice is all my own and that my determinations and resolves are (inexplicably) mine and mine alone. But, without all of the teachers, spiritual friends and beings in my life where would I have ever heard of the Dhamma let alone gotten the idea to practice it?

So, this morning I would like to thank my wife for reminding me what it means and what it takes to be a good friend and a good person for without her chiding and simple observations I would have easily failed in my practice of compassion. More and more it becomes clear that this path is not walked alone but in the company of others so we best choose our friends wisely. May I be grateful for my wise friends and kind-hearted acquaintances. Sukhita hontu!

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Gratitude, Karuna, Theravada | Tags: spouse, wife

Posted by: Michael | 10/01/2014

Judgement

In the last week we have discovered that one of our in-laws has recently started to carry on extra-marital affairs both as a way to assuage their pain and to make an exit from the relationship. It has been messy and hurtful and the rest of the family has been hooked in and asked for opens and advice from the betrayed party. I can’t tell if the worst part is that there are children involved or that the cheater has shown no remorse or understanding of the damage they have done. And yet, is it really up to me to judge?

Clearly I would not now do such a thing as the pain and suffering for everyone would be too much to bear but in my youth I was a faithless cheater and womanizer. I have no high ground on which to stand so it’s best if I immediately eschew such thinking. At best I can remind myself of the fact that the cheater wants happiness, not suffering and just how mistaken they are in their approach. May all beings be free of pain and suffering.

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Forgiveness, Karuna, Theravada

Posted by: Michael | 10/01/2014

Wrong Livelihood | Abhaya-cariya

The training rule to refrain from wrong livelihood has given me much to consider over the years since I began to practice more seriously. In essence, this prefept is nothing more than the expression of the five basic precepts in a work environment. Don’t butcher, don’t steal, don’t facilitate sexual misconduct, don’t lie and don’t sell intoxicants. And while the list may seem simple at first (I’m not going to start pimping any time soon) it’s never as clear as it appears.

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Posted in Abhaya-cariya, Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Theravada

Posted by: Michael | 09/29/2014

Reset

My visit to my father’s had the consequence of completely throwing me off of my normal rhythm and, whereas some people thrive on spontaneity, I am not one of them. Still it is always interesting and informative to see just how quickly the imprints of one’s practice fade away when the supporting conditions are removed. In my case I lapse very quickly into irritation and anger although there were a number of small but surprising victories that serve as proof that my efforts are not all in vain.

One thing that I took away from the difficult days at my father’s was the benefit of spending all or part of a sesson cultivating the brahmaviharas for one person in particular and allowing oneself to be guided by the heart in formulating the particular practice rather than a flow chart in the mind. I believe I have made mention of this before but I find the opening so natural and the results so good that I believe I will try to make this a regular part of my practice from now on.

So, now that I have returned le me make the most of these precious conditions to mold the heart into the shape of wisdom before it’s too late.

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Posted in Buddha, Buddhism, Dhamma, Karuna, Metta, Theravada | Tags: precious human life, wisdom