The Buddhist Metta Loving-Kindness prayer is simple and profound.
It begins by blessing oneself and gradually expands outward from there,
To wishing good intentions for the entire world and all beings,
Even our enemies.
There are many variations and translations of this prayer.
What follows is the essence of it.
If you,
If we all said this prayer with sincerity at least once per week,
The world would be a very different place.
Begin right where you are.
Say the words together with me and aloud to hear them in your own voice.
Knowledge is power.
My heart fills with loving-kindness.
I choose to love myself.
May I be happy.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful.
May I be free.
May all beings nearby be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings in this city be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings in this state or province be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings in this country be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings on this continent be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings on planet Earth be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May my parents be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May those who struggle to like me or who do not like me be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
May all beings in the universe be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
If I have hurt anyone,
Knowingly or unknowingly,
In thought,
Word,
Or deed,
I ask for their forgiveness.
If anyone has hurt me,
Knowingly or unknowingly,
In thought,
Word,
Or deed,
I allow and extend my forgiveness.
May all beings everywhere,
Near or far,
Whether known to me or unknown,
Be happy.
May they be well.
May they be peaceful.
May they be free.
Namaste.
