http://www.mettaroundtheworld.org
Message from Bhante Mahinda in Malaysia:
“As we live in these times of great change and uncertainty we need to recognize the importance of the cultivation of mindfulness and be ready to transform ourselves through a simple, sustainable and spiritual way of life.
We need to wake up to the realities of the dramatic changes taking place around us and the various manifestations of suffering in the world.
We need to recognize the preciousness of our human life and arouse compassion in our hearts as we kindle the light of wisdom within. The qualities of wisdom and compassion are both necessary in order to cope with and adapt to the changes taking place around us, and to be able to live more meaningfully.
The cultivation of light, love and compassion are embodied in all great spiritual traditions around the world.
METTA in Pali or Maithri in Sanskrit language means “loving-kindness” or “boundless love” i.e. love without boundaries. It is the wish for all sentient beings to be well and happy. It is the basis for the cultivation of other great virtues such as compassion, altruistic joy and equanimity.
METTA is a powerful healing force which will transform us into a more compassionate, caring and resilient community, transmuting all negative energies and entities into light, love and harmony.
According to the first verse of Dhammapada “The Sayings of the Buddha”:
MANO PUBBANGAM? DHAMM? (Dh1)
Mind is the forerunner of all phenomena…
As such, we need to harness all our positive mental energies to bring about peace, harmony and stability for the nation and for the world we live in.
The intention of this “METTA Round the World” project is to unite all peace-loving people throughout the world with one heart and mind in meditation and prayer for world peace, harmony and stability.
Let us all fill our hearts with pure love and compassion and cherish the wish that all suffering beings be free from suffering; that those in sorrow be free from sorrow; and that those in fear and danger be free from fear and danger.
May we grow and evolve from light to light and work for the welfare and happiness of the many. May all beings be well and happy.”
Metta:
The practice of metta helps to reduce the tendency of anger, hatred and grudges. Metta is a great healing force. It also promotes patience, tolerance, gratitude and above all, a forgiving heart. Forgiveness is an important factor, which helps in releasing certain emotional blockages due to, grudges, remorse or guilt conscience. When one is clear from those emotional blockages through seeking forgiveness from others, then forgiving others as well as forgiving oneself, one’s heart will become lighter, one will experience light heartedness and one will be happier and more cheerful.
The release of emotional blockages through metta and the practice of forgiveness have great therapeutic values. Many health problems are related to anger and other negative emotions.
Metta promotes the true spirit of friendship or friendliness. As such human beings will be near and dear to one. One will be able to make friends easily. Even animals will love one. This is how the yogis who practice in deep forest or jungle can live in harmony with wild animals.
According to the instructions given in the Karaniya Metta Sutta, one needs to practice until one’s heart is completely suffused with loving-kindness:
in all directions: above, below and all around
UDDHAM ADHO CA TIRIYAÑ CA
and at all times; whether standing, sitting, walking or sleeping
TITTHAM CARAM NISINNO V? SAY?NO V?
When practiced together with wisdom and insight, Metta will indeed become a powerful healing force, which will transform us into a more compassionate and caring community, as well as transmuting all negative energies and entities in light, love and harmony.
Benefits of Metta (Anguttara Nikaya 11.16)
One sleeps happily
One wakes happily
One does not suffer bad dreams
One is dear to human beings
One is dear to non-human beings
The gods protect one
No fire or poison or weapon harms one
One’s mind gets quickly concentrated
The expression of one’s face is serene
One dies unperturbed
Even if one fails to attain higher states, one will at least reach the state of the Brahma world
Guided Meditation on Metta with Bhante Mahinda:
http://audio.buddhistdoor.com/eng/play/733
