A. The description of the four Brahma-viharas

A. The description of the four Brahma-viharas and the teaching of meditation on them

Having gone to refuge, we meditate on the four immeasurables. Therefore, that is taught next. As just explained:

Beings who become the vessels of Dharma by taking refuge
Then cultivate their minds to benefit sentient beings.
Watered by equanimity, in the cool shade of joy,
Flowers of compassion bloom in the soil of kindness.

Here the example is a very pleasant garden-grove. On the rich, green earth of kindness, in a joyful place of refreshment for people, various kinds of flowers of compassion open and blossom. Many birds and deer are enjoying the cool shade of pleasant trees.

From lakes, ponds, and good springs of equanimity, flow a collection of many streams, where travelers tired out by samsara can refresh themselves. Weariness of mind is eased and cleansed away. What is described is presented in an ornamental form. The Middle Length Prajñaparamita says:

Subhuti, here a bodhisattva mahasattva should meditate on kindness, compassion, great joy, and great equanimity.