Metta Chant

Metta is the Pali word for Lovingkindness. The practice of lovingkindness is a meditation in which we wish ourselves and others well. It is traditionally a silent meditation practice.

This chant originated from the lovingkindness phrases I learned and practiced on an 8-day silent Metta retreat at the Insight Meditation Society. I was pregnant with my son Pavan at the time and as I was repeating the phrases this melody just came to me.

The melody ran in my head for a few years before I began singing it with my older daughter Lila. I recorded the chant with Devadas Labrecque after much prompting by my dear friend Nina Rao. Sharon Salzberg, who I have had the good fortune to work with and study with for many years, added her voice to the recording.

Producer: Devadas Labrecque
Vocals: Ambika
Tabla: Arjun Bruggeman
Bass: Mark Gorman
Violin: Genevieve Walker
Kartals: Nina Rao
Choir: Lila Cooper, Pavan Cooper, John Cooper, Nina Rao, Uma Rao-Labrecque.
Spoken word: Sharon Salzberg

Reviews

Made a positive difference for how I feel and think while listening and being absorbed in the music, choral voices and words. In my mind I changed the lyrics of the last line to: May I live in You.”

This might be my new favorite track on all of insight timer. Everyone that using this app should probably listen to this once a week

Very helpful for the nervous system. Quiets the fears

Beautiful way to start the day. So soothing and sweet. May you be happy and peaceful. May you be healthy and strong. May you be safe and protected. May you live with ease. Deep gratitude for this wholesome offering. 🙏

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a powerful loving message!