What is Metta?
Metta is a Pali word that means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, good will, and active interest in others. It is the first of the four sublime states and one of the ten pāramīs, the ten perfections of the Theravāda school of Buddhism. Metta practice begins with oneself, bringing good will and loving kindness internally to your own heart. Next the circle of loving kindness is extended to others, increasing to neutral relationships and then to all beings.
If we cannot bring good will and loving kindness to ourselves, how will we be able to feel compassion towards others?
The practice of Metta encourages positive emotions and in turn generates a positive self image while it minimizes negative emotions towards oneself and others. In cultivating a practice of Metta, loving kindness towards yourself your heart becomes open and ready to receive loving kindness from others. This practice will also aid in forgiveness and letting go.
There are 11 benefits the Buddha indicates that will occur when one practices and cultivates Metta:
- You will sleep easily
- You will wake easily
- Your dreams will be pleasant
- People will love you
- Devas (gods), angels and animals will love you
- Devas will protect you
- External dangers (poison, weapons, fire) will not harm you
- Your face will be radiant
- Your mind will be serene
- You will die unconfused
- You will be reborn to happy realms
Practicing Metta will also generate positive Karmic action for the participant.
Practicing the Metta Meditation helps expand your heart chakra allowing the energy to flow easily, healing wounds caused by others or our own negative self talk. It enables us to safely look at events and individuals with a compassionate heart, without suppression and move to a space of healing.
Metta assists in shifting the focus of internal work and creates a compassionate landscape from which to interact with others and most importantly, ourselves. Practicing Metta meditation teaches us that the emotions we experience, the suffering, is not part of us, it is separate from us. Knowing this allows us to see our emotions, and not attach, interfere or sink into them.
This valuable practice assists us in keeping energetic boundaries so we do not engage, absorb or mirror their feelings or energy. You are encouraged to practice Metta each day, in doing so you will experience a rapid positive impact on your Mind, Body and Soul.
Why Practice Metta with Rainforest Reiki and Meditation?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our nurturing guidance makes Metta accessible, empowering you to perfect loving-kindness over time. Our Metta + Healing requests is offered every 2nd Monday of the month, practicing with community. Reserve your spot for Metta+ Healing requests today.
The Buddhist prayer of Metta
May I be peaceful
May I be happy
May I be healthy
May I Iive a life of ease
May I be free from suffering
May a loved one be peaceful
May a loved one be happy
May a loved one be healthy
May a loved one Iive a life of ease
May a loved one be free from suffering
May a neutral party be peaceful
May a neutral party be happy
May a neutral partyI be healthy
May a neutral party Iive a life of ease
May a neutral party be free from suffering
May a party that wronged you be peaceful
May a party that wronged you be happy
May a party that wronged you be healthy
May a party that wronged you Iive a life of ease
May a party that wronged you be free from suffering
May all beings
Near and far
Seen and unseen
Heard and unheard
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be happy
May all beings be healthy
May all beings Iive a life of ease
May all beings be free from suffering
