In-person and on Zoom Join on Zoom Whole Heart Practice - The practice of the Brahmaviharas or "divine abodes". Together we cultivate the beneficial qualities of the heart. What are the divine abodes?
Metta The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning, e.g. loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, and non-violence. The Pali commentators define metta as the strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others (parahita-parasukha-kamana). Essentially metta is an altruistic attitude of love and friendliness. Karuna The word karuna is usually translated as compassion. In karuna practice we wish for the end of suffering for others and for ourselves. Mudita When we resonate and rejoice in the joy of another, we are practicing mudita. The word is translated variously as appreciative joy, sympathetic joy, rejoicing and gladness. Upekka Much of Buddhist practice is about cultivating awareness and the ability to not get carried away by our reactions. Upekka is the quality of equanimity or acceptance that allows us to stay grounded in the presence of great suffering or great joy and not be overwhelmed by it.
"These four attitudes are said to be excellent or sublime because they are the right or ideal way of conduct towards living beings (sattesu samma patipatti). They provide, in fact, the answer to all situations arising from social contact. They are the great removers of tension, the great peace-makers in social conflict, and the great healers of wounds suffered in the struggle of existence. They level social barriers, build harmonious communities, awaken slumbering magnanimity long forgotten, revive joy and hope long abandoned, and promote human brotherhood against the forces of egotism." From The Four Sublime States by Nyanaponika Thera
