Brahma-Vihara Foundation

Yogi Reflections on the Brahma-Viharas

Gratitude in relation to the mudita practice has been so helpful to me. Opening to the blessings and successes in my own life, and seeing how much I truly have, has helped me to have deep joy for the happiness of others. There is more than enough joy to go around. It is a shared joy that is available to everyone. Once I started to experience that joy it also began to bubble over to others.
— Mary Powell

I never know when my practice of the four Brahma Viharas is going to come into play in my life; I'm often surprised when one or another spontaneously arises. I remember a challenging time when I needed to go easier on myself as the mother to 2 young children: I sat by our backyard fountain and started reciting my metta phrases and transformed a difficult emotional state into a more healthy perspective. Karuna was my companion as I watched my mother struggle through 11 weeks in a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit - and ultimately survive. There are mudita reminders often in my daily life when I observe the various joys of my loved ones. And now I am embracing upekkha as I face midlife, an impending empty nest and other life transitions. The Brahma Viharas are like dear old friends who come to my side just when I need them most.
— Katie Jebb Norton

When I read the newspaper headline that an outspoken fundamentalist leader had died, I paused to wish him good will and to recite the metta phrases in my mind. It was my first response. At other times in my life, I perceived this leader as an enemy for his bigotry. I was so grateful for the choice to wish him well. It had nothing to do with condoning the harm he may have done. I could put my attention on metta, the goodwill and kindness that all beings deserve, and let go of any anger I might hold onto.
— Jon Weaver

  

The Brahma-Vihara Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization dedicated to the cultivation of the divine abidings in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

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