Loving kindness (metta) means to care and wish well for another being without judging them, to accept them independently of agreeing or disagreeing with them, and without wanting anything from them in return. It is a universal love that can overcome all social, religious, ethnic, political and economic barriers. As a result of loving kindness, one can experience another state of the four Buddhist virtues: joy, a true happiness in another’s happiness.
Prayer of Loving kindness
May I be happy and find joy in life
May I be well, safe and free from suffering
May I appreciate and find joy in loving myself and others
May I experience ease and contentment
May my family and friends be happy and find joy in life
May they be well, safe and free from suffering
May they appreciate and find joy in loving themselves and others
May they experience ease and contentment
May all beings have the opportunity to experience love and kindness
May they have ease and relief from disaster and suffering
May they be safe and healthy and held with high regard and understanding
May our minds, eyes and hearts open to the distress of others
May we respectfully ease any heavy burdens
May we bring empathy and openness to that which we find difficult to understand
May violence fall away from our thoughts, and
May our spirit lift our hearts so that we are able to abide in this world with kindness, empathy and a generosity that encourages peace.
