Hello and welcome to another edition of Quick Buddhist Lectures for Learning.
Today,
Let us explore the practice of metta,
Or loving-kindness,
And delve into the meaning and application of the four phrases traditionally used to cultivate this sublime quality of heart.
The practice of metta is a central aspect of Buddhist training.
It is an antidote to ill-will,
Anger,
And fear,
Promoting harmony within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
It also acts as a support for concentration,
As the mind finds it easier to settle in the presence of such wholesome and uplifting emotions.
The Buddha spoke of four phrases to cultivate metta,
And they are,
May I or you be safe.
This phrase is an expression of the wish for oneself or others to be free from danger and harm.
It implies physical safety,
But also a broader sense of security and well-being.
The phrase reminds us of the fundamental human need for safety,
And encourages us to act and think in ways that promote this for all beings.
The second is may I or you be happy.
This phrase is a wish for oneself or others to experience true happiness.
Not the fleeting sensual pleasure often mistaken for happiness,
But the deep and lasting joy that comes from living a wholesome and meaningful life.
It is a recognition of our shared desire for happiness and encouragement to pursue the causes of genuine happiness.
The third phrase is may I or you be healthy.
This phrase is a wish for oneself or others to enjoy good health.
This includes physical health,
But also mental and emotional health.
It is a recognition of the importance of health in our lives,
And a commitment to cultivate the conditions for good health,
Such as a mindful living and a balanced lifestyle.
The fourth and final phrase is may I or you live with ease.
This phrase is an aspiration for oneself or others to live with ease,
Free from struggling and hardship.
It is a recognition of our shared wish to lead a peaceful and harmonious life,
And a commitment to let go of unnecessary burdens and complications.
Now,
These phrases are not just words to be repeated mechanically,
But are meant to be felt deeply and sincerely.
They are a way of aligning our hearts with the intention of kindness and goodwill,
Of opening up to the possibility of a more compassionate and loving way of being in the world.
In the practice of metta,
We start with ourselves because,
As the Buddha said,
One who loves themselves will never truly harm another.
We cannot offer true kindness to others if we are not kind to ourselves.
Only when our cup of kindness is full can it overflow to others.
Once we have established metta for ourselves,
We can extend it to a loved one,
A neutral person,
A difficult person,
And eventually to all beings.
This gradual extension helps to strengthen and broaden our capacity for metta,
Revealing its boundless and impartial nature.
In conclusion,
The practice of metta and its four phrases is a transformative journey that is used to soften the heart,
Purify the mind,
And illuminate our interconnectedness.
This has been another edition of Quick Buddhist Lectures for Learning.
Today we covered metta.
I'm Silas Day,
And I hope you're enjoying these.
Thank you so much.
