The four abodes are manifestations of practice that reveal the heart of loving kindness. They are manifestations of our universal nature, and serve as lights on the path to peace.There is no right way to be, and no one particular way to be in life, so they are not idealized ways of acting. They seem to show up as our meditation practice matures and as we become whole hearted in our life.
Metta is unconditional love, or love with no object. We each already have the ability to love everything unconditionally without expectations or prejudice. This beacon can be turned on ourselves and others. How to practice this with family, friends, neighbors, and the world at large is a lifetime effort.
Karuna is compassion. It is a kind of ultimate empathy that arises from sympathetic identification, the ability to be at-one with others and circumstances. When we connect with the tapestry of life and experience the unity of life then we can breathe the suffering of the world into our heart and act from love.
Mudita is joy at the good fortune of others. Envy is a form of spiritual poverty, our jealousy a mark of our separation from goodness and people. Wishing for the good fortune of others and celebrating it when they have it makes for a warm heart and a light spirit. May all beings be happy!
Upekka is equanimity, an evenness of temperament and activity. Zen meditation posture is a manifestation of equanimity and teaches the body and mind to settle in balance. To live this way is difficult. Much spiritual insight can be fathomed from examining how we are out of balance in our lives.
Four Abodes
