The Brahmaviharas

For the past couple of years, I have been delving deeper into my practice of meditation and contemplation. In this time, I have found a deep source of inspiration in the Brahmaviharas, the four abodes of the divine in Buddhist practice. These abodes are metta (loving-kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy), and upekkha (equanimity). Through the practice of these four abodes, I have discovered a deeper connection to myself, others, and the world around me.

What are the Brahmaviharas?

The Brahmaviharas are a set of four practices that cultivate a heart-based approach to relating to ourselves and the world around us. Each of these four abodes are a way of thinking, feeling, and relating towards ourselves and others. Loving-kindness, the first of the four abodes, is a feeling of love and goodwill towards ourselves and others. Compassion, the second abode, is an empathetic feeling towards the pain and suffering of others. Sympathetic joy, the third abode, is a feeling of joy towards the happiness and good fortune of others. Equanimity, the fourth abode, is a feeling of balance and calm towards the ups and downs of life.

My Experience with the Brahmaviharas

As I have practiced the Brahmaviharas, I have felt a deep shift in my relationship to myself, others, and the world. Through the practice of loving-kindness, I have found a deep sense of self-love and self-compassion. I have been able to connect with the love that is already within me and extend that love towards others. Through practicing compassion, I have discovered a sense of empathy towards the suffering of others. I have found that this has allowed me to connect more deeply with others, as well as cultivate a sense of service towards the world. Through the practice of mudita, I have experienced a deep sense of joy and gratitude towards the good fortune of others. I have been able to extend this joy towards myself and the world. Finally, through the practice of equanimity, I have found a sense of balance and calm towards the ups and downs of life.

Cultivating the Brahmaviharas

The Brahmaviharas are not something that can be developed overnight, but instead require diligent practice over time. One way to cultivate these abodes is through meditation. One can begin by focusing on each of the four abodes separately, repeating a phrase or mantra that cultivates each feeling. For example, one might repeat the phrases "May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be at peace" to cultivate loving-kindness towards oneself. Another way to cultivate the Brahmaviharas is through our actions in the world. As we begin to live our lives with love, empathy, joy, and equanimity, we begin to see ourselves and the world in a different light.

The Brahmaviharas and Social Change

The Brahmaviharas have a deep connection to social change. As we cultivate these abodes within ourselves, we begin to see the world in a different light. We begin to see the interconnectedness of all things, and our sense of self expands to include all beings. We begin to see the suffering of others as our own, and we are filled with a sense of urgency towards service to the world. By cultivating the Brahmaviharas, we are able to create a world that is more just, compassionate, and sustainable.

Conclusion

The Brahmaviharas offer a powerful tool for cultivating a heart-based approach to our lives. As we practice the four abodes of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity, we are able to develop a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, others, and the world. Through the practice of these abodes, we are able to create a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world.