The Buddha's Metta Sutta Loving Kindness

The Metta Sutta is the Buddha's discourse on developing loving-kindness. It is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism & is chanted daily by many Theravadan monks and practitioners. It is the first of the Four immeasurables or heart practices -and it helps one overcome anger, ill will, hatred, & aversion. The Metta Sutta teaches specific means for developing the meditative practice of loving-kindness and is often recited before the meditation session. I find it most moving.

Transcript

This is the metta-sutta,

Or loving-kindness discourse.

This is to be done by one skilled in aims,

Who wants to break through to the state of peace.

Be capable,

Upright,

And straightforward,

Easy to instruct,

Gentle,

And not conceited,

Content,

And easy to support,

With few duties,

Living lightly,

With peaceful faculties,

Masterful,

Modest,

And no greed for supporters.

Do not do the slightest thing that the wise would later censure.

Think happy at rest.

May all beings be happy at heart.

Whatever beings there may be,

Weak or strong,

Without exception,

Long,

Large,

Middling or short,

Subtle,

Blatant,

Seen and unseen,

Near and far,

Born and seeking birth.

May all beings be happy at heart.

Let no one deceive another,

Or despise anyone,

Anywhere,

Or through anger or irritation,

Wish for another to suffer.

As a mother would risk her life to protect her child,

Her only child,

Even so should one cultivate a limitless heart with regard to all beings,

With goodwill for the entire cosmos.

Create a limitless heart,

Above,

Below,

And all around.

Unobstructed,

Without enmity or hate,

Whether standing,

Walking,

Sitting,

Or lying down,

As long as one is alert,

One should be resolved on this mindfulness.

This is called some-lime abiding.

Here and now.

Not taken with views,

But virtuous and consummate in vision,

Having subdued desire for sensual pleasures,

One never again will lie in the womb.

Reviews

Short and sweet A good reminder of how to conduct our daily lives

I truly appreciate the shorter sessions. Perfect for work breaks during the day!

Thank you 🙏

Sublime

Very nice. If you are interested contact me. I am a professional musician and Buddhist. I can compose music for it.

I enjoyed this. Very nice to hear the words of Buddha presented by someone with a clear strong voice.

Thank you so much.