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One of the most compelling concepts in Buddhism is that of universal loving kindness. It has the potential to transform your life, and you don’t need to be a Buddhist to experience the profound effects of this practice. <br>The idea of loving kindness was first proposed by the Buddha in the Metta Sutta. We’ll take a look at some of the most powerful passages in the Metta Sutta and show you how you can reap the benefits of this practice in your own life.
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5 Powerful Passages On Loving Kindness From The Buddhist MettaSutta One of the most compelling concepts in Buddhism is that of universal loving kindness. It has the potential to transform your life, and you don’t need to be a Buddhist to experience the profound effects of this practice. The idea of loving kindness was first proposed by the Buddha in the Metta Sutta. We’ll take a look at some of the most powerful passages in the Metta Sutta and show you how you can reap the benefits of this practice in your ownlife. What Is The MettaSutta? Many of the core Buddhists textsand practices come from the Buddha, and the Metta Sutta is no exception. In fact, the Metta Sutta is one of the Buddha’s most importantteachings.
The word metta is a Pali word that means, “loving kindness.” The Metta Sutta is the Buddha’s key teaching on loving kindness. It explains not only what loving kindness is but what the benefits to practicing loving kindness are and how to doit. What Does Loving Kindness Mean? If you guessed that loving kindness must have something to do with love and kindness, you’re right. But it runs much deeper thanthat. The Buddhist practice of metta isn’t just a practice — it’s a way of life. It’s something to be cultivated, practiced, and meditated on. That’s because metta (loving kindness) is one of the Four Divine States of Buddhism along with karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy or empathy), and upekkha (equanimity). This is what Buddhists aspireto. So, what does it mean to practice metta, or lovingkindness? Metta is not to be confused with compassion. Compassion is associated with a willingness to take on the pain of others and support them in their hardships. While this is an important trait and anotheroftheFourDivineStatesofBuddhism,it’snotwhatlovingkindnessis. Metta is the spread of benevolence and good will toward others. Cultivating loving kindness is one of the focuses of Buddhism meditation. It’s called metta meditation. And it’s one of the most powerful meditation experiences outthere.
5 Powerful Passages From The Metta Sutta ForMeditation If you’d like to explore metta meditation, a great place to start is with the Metta Sutta. In the Metta Sutta, the Buddha outlines what metta is, the benefits it brings, and how it can be practiced. Here are 5 key passages from the MettaSutta: “Let one not deceive nor despise another person, anywhere at all. In anger and ill-will, let him not wish any harm toanother.” “Just as a mother would protect her only child with her own life, even so, let him cultivate boundless thoughts of loving kindness towards allbeings.” “Whether standing, walking, seated or lying down, as long as he is awake, he should develop this mindfulness. This they say, is the divine abidinghere.” “Let him cultivate boundless thoughts of loving kindness towards the whole world — above, below and all around, unobstructed, free from hatred andenmity.” “May all beings be well and safe, may their hearts rejoice.” These passages from the Metta Suttacan not only help deepen your understanding of loving kindness but can also be used in meditation. In fact, metta meditation is probably the best way to understand what loving kindness is allabout. Meditation can be a powerful tool. In fact, it has the potential to change your life. Deborah King, Author of Mindvalley’s Be A Modern Master Programexplains, “Learning to meditate changed the course of my life and set me firmly on a spiritual climb I never would have believed possible.” If you’d like to try some loving kindness for yourself, there are many excellent metta meditations available online that you can follow. Also, try Mindvalley’s founder Vishen Lakhiany’s 6 Phase meditationthat includes meta meditation. They don’t take long — even just a few minutes can have a powerfulimpact.