The sublime attitudes (brahmaviharas) are the Buddha’s primary heart teachings—the ones that connect most directly with our desire for true happiness. They’re the qualities of heart that motivated the Buddha to find awakening and then to teach the path of awakening to others. At the same time, they function as part of the path itself.
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Table of Contents Titlepage 2 Copyright 3 Introduction 4 I : Head & Heart Together 4 II : In the Context of Right View 5 III : seven misunderstandings 13 Misunderstanding # 1: Mettā means love or lovingkindness. 14 Misunderstanding # 2: The practice of the brahmavihāras is a form of prayer. 18 Misunderstanding # 3: Mettā is best expressed by acts of uncritical tenderness. 18 Misunderstanding # 4: The brahmavihāras are part of the innate nature of the human heart. 21 Misunderstanding # 5: Other people deserve our mettā, either because of their own innate goodness or because we are all one. 22 Misunderstanding # 6: The brahmavihāras are purely heart qualities, needing no input from the analytical mind. 24 Misunderstanding # 7: The brahmavihāras are, in themselves, a complete path to awakening. 27 Readings 31 1. Mettā Defined 31 2. Prayer vs. Resolve 39 3. Mettā in Words & Deeds 48 4. The Nature of the Heart & Mind 53 5. Motivation for the Brahmavihāras 56 6. Fabricating Skillful Mind States 67 Antidotes to Anger & Ill Will 69 Antidotes to Partiality 75 7. Further Practice 92 Glossary 109 Abbreviations 111
