In the Buddhist tradition, and also in Patañjali’s Yoga Sutras, we find four attitudes of the heart called the Brahmaviharas, “the sublime abodes”. They are the foundation of Thai massage and of a more peaceful life.
- Metta, loving-kindness: sincerely wishing well to all beings, starting with yourself.
- Karuna, compassion: feeling others’ pain and wishing to ease it, without getting trapped in suffering.
- Mudita, shared joy: rejoicing in others’ happiness and success, without envy.
- Upekkha, equanimity: keeping the heart steady through change, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism.
A metta practice
Sit in silence and repeat silently: “May I be well. May I be at peace. May I be happy. May I be free from suffering.” Then direct these wishes to a loved one, a neutral person, someone you find difficult and, finally, all beings.
When we give a massage from these four attitudes, touch changes: it stops being a technique and becomes a way of caring.
