Loving-Kindness Meditation
This following loving-kindness meditation derives from the “Discourse On Loving-kindness” (Metta Sutta) given by the Buddha 2600 years ago. The loving-kindness he spoke of then is still the deepest need of the world today.
May all beings be happy and peaceful
(free from suffering and distress)
May all beings be safe and secure
(free from fear and harm)
May all beings be healthy and prosperous (free from pain, illness, and lack)
May all beings live joyfully and with ease (free from struggle and conflict)
The Pali word Metta (Maitri in Sanskrit) means universal loving-kindness, friendliness, and goodwill free from expectation and possessiveness. However, this is not the ordinary, sensual, emotional, or sentimental kind of love that most people commonly express.
Metta has a far greater significance than this. Metta is an all-embracing love—a sincere desire for the happiness and well-being of others. Metta is without any selectivity or exclusion. If we select a few people we love and exclude someone we do not like, this is a lack of understanding of Metta.
With the sublime heart of love, we express care and concern for all beings through benevolent thoughts, feelings, and words, as well as through selfless acts of kindness and generosity.
Source: The Heart of Dharma Collection
To listen to a prayer/meditation on love, peace and light, go to here.
Photo Credit: GraphicStock
Related articles on this website include: