What is the central message of the Metta Sutta?
What is the central message of the Metta Sutta?
The Metta Sutta is the Buddha’s discourse on developing and sustaining loving kindness. It is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism and one that is often used as an introduction to the spiritual practice. Metta means loving kindness and it is one of the “Four Immeasurables” or the Four Divine States of Buddhism.
What does metta mean in Buddhism?
loving-kindness meditation
Metta meditation is a type of Buddhist meditation. In Pali — a language that’s closely related to Sanskrit and spoken in northern India — “metta” means positive energy and kindness toward others. The practice is also known as loving-kindness meditation.
What is the Sutta that describes the way to spread loving kindness?
The Mettā Sutta is the name used for two Buddhist discourses (Pali: sutta) found in the Pali Canon. It is ten verses in length and it extols both the virtuous qualities and the meditative development of mettā (Pali), traditionally translated as “loving kindness” or “friendliness”.
What is the metta Prayer?
The metta prayer of loving kindness is a prayer or mantra used as part of a loving-kindness meditation, or metta bhavana. This kind of meditation and use of a mantra is popular in the Buddhist tradition. The word, metta, comes from Pali and can be translated as “good will” or “loving kindness.”
Why is Metta important in Buddhism?
Loving kindness (metta) Another one of the Four Sublime States is metta , or loving kindness. It is important as Buddhists want to develop this quality in order to help others to be free from suffering. Metta leads people to be kinder, more considerate and more helpful.
Does Metta mean love?
This cultivation of loving-kindness is an essential part of Buddhism. The Theravadin scholar Acharya Buddharakkhita said of Metta, “The Pali word metta is a multi-significant term meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, amity, concord, inoffensiveness and non-violence.
What does metta translate to in English?
The term appears in Buddhist texts as an important concept and practice. Buswell and Lopez, as well as Harvey, translate metta as “loving-kindness”. In Buddhist belief, this is a Brahma-vihara (divine abode) or an immeasurable that leads to a meditative state by being a counter to ill-will.
What Buddha said about metta?
Loving kindness (metta) It is important as Buddhists want to develop this quality in order to help others to be free from suffering. Metta is a more positive way of looking at life than karuna, as metta is about trying to show love to others before they need help.
How do you practice loving kindness?
How to Practice Loving Kindness Meditation
- Carve out some quiet time for yourself (even a few minutes will work) and sit comfortably.
- Imagine yourself experiencing complete physical and emotional wellness and inner peace.
- Repeat three or four positive, reassuring phrases to yourself.
What is the benefit of sharing loving kindness?
Research shows LKM boosts a wide range of emotions including joy, gratitude, contentment, pride, interest, hope, amusement, and awe. Research shows LKM can significantly decrease posttraumatic stress disorder. Research shows LKM can have an immediate relaxation effect on the body.
What are the 4 Immeasurables?
The Four Immeasurables—the cultivation of loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—is a rich suite of practices that open the heart, counter the distortions in our relationships to ourselves, and deepen our relationships to others.
How do I give myself loving-kindness?
Loving-Kindness for Ourselves
- Let’s get into a comfortable seated position.
- Begin by breathing at our own pace.
- Inhale cleansing breath and exhale stress.
- Feel your body relaxing with each breath.
- Now we’re going to use our imaginations.
- Feel the light of compassion within you.
Where does the term metta sutta come from?
The Mettā Sutta is the name used for two Buddhist discourses ( Pali: sutta) found in the Pali Canon. The one, more often chanted by Theravadin monks, is also referred to as Karaṇīyamettā Sutta after the opening word, Karaṇīyam, ” (This is what) should be done.” It is found in the Suttanipāta (Sn 1.8) and Khuddakapāṭha (Khp 9).
Why did the Buddha teach the monks the Metta Sutta?
When the monks sought the Buddha ‘s aid in dealing with the sprites, the Buddha taught the monks the Mettā Sutta as an antidote for their fear. The monks recited the sutta and felt better. Their good cheer then happened to quiet the sprites as well.
Where is the metta sutta found in the Pali Canon?
The Mettā Sutta is the name used for two Buddhist discourses ( Pali: sutta) found in the Pali Canon. The one, more often chanted by Theravadin monks, is also referred to as Karaṇīyamettā Sutta after the opening word, Karaṇīyam, “(This is what) should be done.”. It is found in the Suttanipāta (Sn 1.8) and Khuddakapāṭha…