Mettā Bhāvana

The word  ‘maitrā’ or ‘mattā’ means “loving kindness”. Accordingly, the form of meditation which helps one to acquire the ability to consider all beings in this world including animals as one’s friends is Mettā Bhavanā.

“May all beings be happy, May all beings be healthy, May all beings be well” –Extension of such thoughts towards all beings whether they be relatives, or non-relatives, friends or enemies, human begins or animals is Mettā Bhavanā.

Wishing happiness towards human beings alone does not mean Maitri in the true sense of the word. True Maitri constitutes the wishing of happiness to the entire world including even the smallest of living things. The Buddha is the supreme example of Maitri in this world He has shown Maitri equally to all beings of the world, irrespective of their being friends, enemies, human beings or non-human beings. Maitri is a merit of high order. It is one of the four sublime states (Brahma Vihāra). It is one of the Perfections (Pāramitā) for the attainment of supreme enlightenment (Sammā Sambodhi).

According to the Discourse of Khanda Sutta, no harm could be caused by serpents or wild animals if loving-kindness is extended towards them.

The benefits of Mettā Bhāvanā are dealt with in the Discourse of the Mettānisansa. Therein are given eleven benefits of practicing Mettā Bhāvanā:

1.    Comfortable sleep.

2.    Waking up comfortably.

3.    Not having bad dreams.

4.    Being loved by all human beings.

5.    Being loved by Gods.

6.    Protection by Gods.

7.    Not being subject to danger from fire, poisons and weapons.

8.    Mental poise.

9.    Brightness of facial complexion.

10.         Ability to face death without fear.

11.         The birth in the Brahma world after death for one who has developed concentration and who was not able to attain Arahantship in this life.

It is very significant that out of these eleven benefits, ten could be obtained in this very life.

This meditation is of immense use in order to lead a happy life. The greatest wealth a man could possess is mental peace. The absence of mental peace is mainly due to the presence of enmity in the mind.

Extract from a lecture

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