Episode Details

Day 11:  Loving Kindness

"Dwelling in Loving-Kindness, delighting in the Buddha’s teaching. Gets their bliss when conditions cease." ~ The Buddha (Dhammapada 368)

Loving kindness (Pali: Metta, Sanskrit: Maitri) is an essential part of Buddhism where we wish for all beings to be happy, and pair it with Karuna (compassion) to wish they be free from suffering.

By focusing our attention this way (which is typically self-centered), it is like a fireman’s hose dousing the three fires that have been causing us so many issues. Can you just imagine Mara dripping wet?!

During this pandemic, we need loving kindness more than ever. The regression towards self is widespread. After all, you may be thinking, “if I don’t take care of myself, who will?”. When this thinking happens, it becomes a domino effect that impacts the lives of everyone, and eventually yourself.

Focus

• Loving Kindness is not about being “nice”, which is easy to do. Instead, Loving Kindness requires continuous effort to be unselfish and genuinely concerned for others. 
• You must also not leave yourself out of Loving Kindness. Do not forget that you need compassion as well. 
• Following the Eightfold Path and practicing meditation can aid you with Loving Kindness.

Practice

• Continue to recite the Five Remembrances. 
• Continue to Meditate, at least once a day, starting with being mindful of the breath. For today, introduce Metta Meditation (refer to the Metta Sutra, or use the recitation below): 
• New Practice: A simple “prayer” can be used for you to express Metta (loving kindness) to all beings, yourself, and to build your strength in using Metta in everyday life: May all beings be free. May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature.  May all beings be free. 
• Learn Loving Kindness: http://buddhanet.net/e-learning/loving-kindness.htm and for teaching children: http://buddhanet.net/metta_k.htm

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