The Pali word metta means loving-kindness, friendliness, goodwill, benevolence, fellowship, and non-violence. Pali commentators define metta as the strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others. Through metta one refuses to be offensive and renounces bitterness, resentment and animosity of every kind, developing instead a mind of friendliness, accommodation and benevolence which seeks the well-being and happiness of others. True metta is devoid of self-interest.
May everyone be happy and safe, and may their hearts be filled with joy. May all living beings live in security and peace, beings who are frail or strong, tall or short, big or small, visible or not visible, near or far away, already born or yet to be born. May all of them dwell in perfect tranquility. Let no one do harm to anyone. Let no one put the life of another in danger. Let no one, out of anger or ill will, wish anyone any harm. Just as a mother loves and protects her only child at the risk of her own life, we should cultivate boundless love to offer to all living beings in the entire cosmos. Let our boundless love pervade the entire universe, above, below, and across. Our love will know no obstacles, our heart will be absolutely free from hatred and enmity. Whether standing or walking, sitting or lying, as long as we are awake, we should maintain this mindfulness of love in our own heart. This is the noblest way of living. Free from wrong views, greed and sensual desires, living in beauty and realizing perfect understanding, those who practice boundless love will certainly transcend birth and death.
Metta Phrases
From Eric Kolvig, Vipassana Teacher
May (I) you be happy
May you be safe and protected from all danger and harm
May you be healthy in body and mind
May you live with ease and well being
May you be free.
Eleven Benefits of Metta
From Eric Kolvig, Vipassana Teacher
You will sleep happy.
You will wake happy.
You will have happy dreams.
People will love you.
Devas and animals will love you.
Devas will protect you.
You will be safe from external dangers
Your face will be radiant.
Your heart will be serene.
You will die unconfused.
You will be reborn in happy realms.
Buddha
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