cattaribrahmavihara

[cattaribrahmavihara]

When studying Atisha’s Seven Points of Mind Training it is essential to first train in the preliminaries. One of the first of these is to recognize the preciousness of a fortunate human birth, When one is born into existence as a human being, it is believed to be a great opportunity to practice and develop spiritually.  Additionally, it is important to recognize and take advantage of having The…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Finding the Good in Evil People

Maybe it’s just me, but I rarely ever see people dwelling on the good in others with whom they disagree. And, although this may not seem like a subject that merits further investigation, I have seen Thurber terrible consequences that this tendency to see only the bad in others brings about in my own heart and mind. The mine rebels at the mere hint that our enemies or evil people could possibly…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

In the Fray

If, in the fray, the soldier drops his sword,In fright, he swiftly takes it up again. So likewise, if the arm of mindfulness is lost,In fear of hell be quick to get it back. Shantideva

[cattaribrahmavihara]

The Humbling

Today I took a trial class at a new BJJ school. I did a Muay Thai pads class before but felt good enough when the gi class started. All was good and most everybody was a white belt. Imagine my surprise when the live rolls started and I got my butt handed to me in most of the rolls. Humbling, and I was happy I used my white belt instead of my blue belt. There are a few main takeaways and I’ll…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Right Livelihood in a Time of Fascism

Right Livelihood Is an Act of Resistance Right Livelihood—earning a living without causing harm and while upholding truth and justice—is not a passive virtue. It is an active form of resistance. In the face of injustice, exploitation, and institutionalized violence, choosing a livelihood rooted in compassion and integrity becomes an unmistakable stance against complicity. The Front Line of…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Changing Your Perspective to Deal with Conflict

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Becoming the Shield: A Path of Compassionate Resistance

I wanted to share my thoughts on how we might begin to take definitive action against the cruelty being perpetrated on so many but in a way that accords with the Dhamma. I struggle on a daily basis to work out my own response and attitude to so much suffering so please take the following with a huge boulder of salt. It is, like all things, subject to change and will surely be revised through…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

10 Royal Virtues of a Good Leader (Dasa-rājādhamma)

Dāna (Generosity) – Share with others and help those in need. Sīla (Morality) – Be a good example by doing what’s right. Pariccāga (Selflessness) – Put your people’s needs before your own. Ājjava (Honesty) – Tell the truth and keep your promises. Maddava (Gentleness) – Be kind, humble, and listen well. Tapa (Self-Control) – Live simply, not chasing luxury. Akkodha (Calmness) – Don’t let…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Aspiration

By the merit I have generated through this action,May I be reborn in the presence of the Blessed One, Lord Metteyya.May my heart be steadfast and my resolve unshakable.May I cultivate unwavering courage and tireless energy. Through this determination, may the Blessed One look upon me and say:“This one shall be foremost in energy and courage.” May this be apsiration guide me through innumerable…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

The King of Death

We live like a chicken who doesn’t know what’s going on. In the morning it takes its baby chicks out to scratch for food. In the evening, it goes back to sleep in the coop. The next morning it goes out to look for food again. Its owner scatters rice for it to eat every day, but it doesn’t know why its owner is feeding it. The chicken and its owner are thinking in very different ways. The owner…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Meeting Hatred

There is no evil like hatred,And no fortitude like patience.Thus I should strive in various waysTo meditate on patience. Shantideva What should we do in the face of hatred? Of harsh speech, vindictive behavior? Forbear. Forbear like Lord Buddha advised the beaten and bloodied Angulimala after he had been attacked during his pindapata.

[cattaribrahmavihara]

People follow & associate for a motive. Friends without a motive these days are rare. They’re shrewd for their own ends, & impure. Wander alone like a rhinoceros. Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros I’m slowly learning what it looks like to wander alone even in the midst of a marriage. I see everyday that the person I married is not someone who values me, likes me or wants anything from me beyond…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Warm-Hearted Friends

“These four, young householder, should be understood as warm-hearted friends: he who is a helpmate, he who is the same in happiness and sorrow, he who gives good counsel, he who sympathises… The friend who is a helpmate, the friend in happiness and woe, the friend who gives good counsel, the friend who sympathises too — these four as friends the wise behold and cherish them devotedly as does a…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

The 5 Steps of Forgiveness & the Ten Pāramī

StepAligned PāramīExplanationRecognizing kilesa and reflecting on kammaPaññā (Wisdom) & Upekkhā (Equanimity)Seeing attachment clearly & maintaining balance in response.Determining to cultivate virtuous relationships & uphold ethical conductSīla (Virtue), Adhiṭṭhāna (Determination) & Khanti (Patience)Ensuring ethical behavior, making a strong commitment to wholesome relationships, and practicing…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

5 Steps to Forgiveness

This is specifically for romantic relationships but I suppose it could work for any relationship. Recognize that kilesa (lust) formed the basis of your relationship. Recognize that both of you followed your enflamed desire in the pursuit of pleasure. Make the aditthana (determination) that you all relationships you enter into will be done with clear eyes and will be based on the Dhamma. Allow…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

How Absurd

How utterly absurd it is to demand that you be treated as you like. How absurd is it that you care only for people if they are useful to you. How absurd it is to expect anything from another. Knowing that most people are as ladles to soup when it comes to the Dhamma, how can you blame them for choosing to act in ways that harm themselves and others? If you are truly training your heart and mind,…

[cattaribrahmavihara]

Justice Isn’t a Buddhist Word

https://www.reddit.com/r/theravada/s/LFXok3AnfA