METTA (Loving-kindness)

Metta is very strong mental force capable of serving the well-being of mankind. Unlike destructive forces, human beings face both on the natural and man-made level, metta is all about kindness, caring and responsibility.

The nature of metta is very much positive. It is an essential concept to begin with as far as Buddhism is concerned. War was never created in the name of Buddhism simply because it emphasizes on metta and the law of cause and effect. Metta is all embracing; from the tiniest creature to the higher levels of being including the celestial; radiating its warmth in all directions without any bias of race and religion. This transcendental energy is very much needed in a society where cruelty and selfishness have become a dominant force. Therefore the practice of metta is crucial, practical and urgent. It heals the wounds and inspires love.

As metta is universal, we can all forth this energy within ourselves. It is important to note that every Buddhist code of practice begins with a degree of calmness. The mind can only function as its best when it has settled down. As you wish yourself metta, you will reach a state of calmness and serenity. To make it easy for remembrance: calm, metta, clam followed by radiation. This state of calm and serenity at that precise moment is very important. Once calm, one is ready to spread metta. The radiation power depends very much on the quality of the mind. The next step is to channel this energy to others. It may be your loved or near ones, friends or enemies and other sentient beings.

Metta meditation is quite systematic in the sense of the objects one is concentrating on. It is from someone near to those afar. The practice of metta can turn into a ritualistic act provided one derives wisdom from it. As often most practitioners repeat the statements verbally without any contemplation. This involves only a state of tranquility, rather we should not get stuck into this state. We can make full use of this calmness to reflect and ponder over the underlying meaning. It is the grasping of its significant that we go beyond the norm; the written words. For example the statement – ‘May all beings be well and happy’ cannot come into being by simply chanting repetitively. It has to be the factor of understanding by going beyond its written form. Understanding gives us a feel that all beings do suffer. It is a fact rather than an abstraction. Then we begin to enquire about the cause and work out for it. That is metta, isn’t it?

It is good to start the day and before retiring to bed with metta. Apart from this, there is a need to bring out this energy as often as possible in our daily life activities. Like water that gives us life, metta gives support to spirituality. If we are very skillful in spreading the force of metta, we can see the change of attitude within ourselves and the relationships with others. The practice of metta brings immense benefit and should not be neglected.

By understanding this point, we bring forth right effort. Nostradamus, the French seer once commented that war can only be averted through loving-kindness. Let us remind the world of metta therapeutic effect through the words of the Buddha – Hatred can never be overcome by hatred; it is by loving-kindness that hatred is transformed.

by Ven. Sampano