Category Archives: Brahmavihara Practice

209 – The World Needs Metta

Posted on October 11, 2012 by

Metta, the practice of loving kindness or friendliness, can be the approach we take whenever the mind is anxious, as it often is when we think about the state of our world. Metta is a skillful antidote to that anxiety, … Continue reading →

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207 – May your good fortune increase

Posted on June 20, 2012 by

At our group sit tonight, someone posed the question of how to open the heart towards difficult people with wishes for their success and good fortune.  Mudita is the brahmavihara practice of sympathetic or appreciative joy. (For a definition of … Continue reading →

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206 – Beware of Equanimity. . .

Posted on May 9, 2012 by

. . . when it is really complacency. It’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart, which is why we need to look carefully at all mind states all the time, inside and outside of formal practice. I was reminded of … Continue reading →

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196 – Cultivating Gratitude and Other Wholesome States

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

As Thanksgiving season approaches, I like to reflect on gratitude and focus my practice in that direction, although if you search this blog using the key word “gratitude,” you’ll find it’s a favorite topic throughout the year. A wonderful thing … Continue reading →

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171 – Practice Gratitude

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

Gratitude is a wonderful practice. Today I am grateful for the rain so that I can get some indoor chores done that I’ve neglected working outdoors. I’m grateful for my husband’s forced inactivity (though I wouldn’t wish Charcot Foot on … Continue reading →

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145 – An Open Heart

Posted on April 29, 2011 by

Funny how the humblest stories often contain the best lessons. I’m still thinking about posts 143 and 144, and today’s reflection leans toward the role of kindness and compassion in this play. The awakened heart feels compassion for the suffering … Continue reading →

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138 – A Shift in Perspective

Posted on April 12, 2011 by

We humans have existed in our present form for about a hundred thousand years. I believe that if during this time the human mind had been primarily controlled by anger and hatred, our overall population would have decreased. But today, … Continue reading →

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130 – Intend Compassion

Posted on March 30, 2011 by

May I become at all times, both now and forever A protector for those without protection A guide for those who have lost their way A ship for those with oceans to cross A bridge for those with rivers to … Continue reading →

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124 – Traditional Metta Prayer

Posted on March 22, 2011 by

May all be filled with joy and peace. May all beings everywhere, The strong and the weak, The great and the small, The meek and the powerful, The short and the long, The subtle and the gross: May all beings … Continue reading →

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106 – A Meditation Practice from the Dalai Lama

Posted on March 1, 2011 by

The Dalai Lama  is well known for practicing loving friendliness and compassion. Millions have been inspired by his teachings. I recently came across this practical practice advice from His Holiness: “1. Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of each day … Continue reading →

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