Cultivating the Four Immeasurables: Keeping the Mind Sane

The Buddha talked about cultivating loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity as four “causes, or sources of human sanity”, saying, “Anyone who is unable to join one’s mind with these four causes, or sources, of human sanity will be constantly bound by the confusion of cyclic existence.” 

Without these qualities the human mind is constantly trapped in the cyclic existence called samsara, “an unending game of hope and fear”. When the Four Immeasurables are manifested in our lives, however, we find we can achieve incredible things. We can cultivate our own happiness, reduce our suffering, learn to appreciate our good qualities, find equanimity in the midst of chaos and extend all these benefits to others. 

This evening we will explore how to truly integrate the Four Immeasurables into our daily lives, addressing questions such as: Why is it helpful to develop these qualities within ourselves? and How can we use our own minds to cultivate the Four Immeasurables?

The answers we find will determine the journey we will take to move along this path of practice. 

About Hojin Sensei:
A Zen priest, Hojin Sensei received full dharma transmission from Shugen Roshi, Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order and Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. Hojin Sensei currently serves as MRO training coordinator and co-Director of the Zen Center of New York City.

Before entering the Monastery in 1990, Hojin Sensei studied fine art and trained under legendary ceramicist Toshiku Takaezu, among others. Over the years she has taught drawing, ceramics, and painting, and continues to teach on the creative process within the Mountains and Rivers Order. This is her third visit to New Zealand.