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Practice of Brahmavihāra in Theravada Buddhism
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Mettā stands for loving kindness towards all beings and becomes a precondition for Karuņā which is not merely love, but love for the sake of the welfare of others. In fact, it is the precondition to the state of happiness that one attains at the success of others which is called Mudita. These three principles will lead one to attain Upekkhā, the cultivation of which will result in development of knowledge (Jñāna). On the whole:
“The general purpose of these four divine abiding is the bliss of inside and an excellent (form of future) existence”23. Conclusion
Understanding Brahmavihāra or divine abiding in Theravāda Buddhism leads one to explore the fundamental principle of Buddhism such as wisdom and compassion. It means that Brahmavihāra is imbedded in the core teachings and practices of Buddhism. Learning the Lord Buddha's teachings and practicing the Lord Buddha's path naturally guides us to act and think based upon Brahmavihāra.
Though violence, greed, anger, and desire may never disappear from human history, we need to continue to make efforts to practice lovingkindness, compassion, gladness, and equanimity, transforming violence, greed, anger, and desire into peace. Reference:
1. Nārada Mahāthera, The Buddha and His Teachings, p.614 2. “Titthan caram nisinno vāsayāno vāyāvatassa viggatamiddho
etam satim adhitheyya brammametam viharamidhamahu”
Khuddhakani kāya (Syāmaratthassā Tepitakam), XXV, p.14 3. Nārada Thera, The way to Nibbāna, p.23-24 4. Piyadassi Thera, The Buddha Ancient Path, p. 114 5. Visuddhimagga, p.321 6. Ibid., p.345 7. Mettåsahagatena cetasā ekam disam pharitvă
viharti tathā dutiyam tathā tatiyam tathā
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