KARANIYA METTA SUTRA
The Buddha’s Words On Loving-Kindness
May you be skilled in goodness.
May you be able, honest, and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble, modest, and simple in living.
May you remain composed and calm,
Not proud and demanding in nature.
May you do nothing the wise would reprove.
May you wish in gladness and in safety:
That all beings be at ease,
That they be happy, safe, and secure.
Whatever living creatures there be,
Without exception, strong or weak,
Omitting none, the short, tall, big, and small,
Whether seen or unseen, Living near or far,
Born or unborn, may all beings be happy,
May none deceive or despise another,
May none through anger or aversion,
Through hatred or resentment,
Wish harm on another being.
As a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
May you cherish all beings.
Radiating goodwill and kindness
Over the entire world,
Spreading upward to the skies,
And downward to the depths,
Outward and unbounded,
Freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking,
Seated or lying down, free from drowsiness,
May you sustain this recollection.
This is said to be the sublime abiding.
With virtue, vision, and purity of heart,
Holding no longer to selfish or crooked views,
And being released from all sensual desires,
May you be free from suffering.
May you truly be at peace.
Love & Kindness
When we’re kids, we inherit many negative patterns and habits from our parents and community. We absorb many traumas that leave energetic imprints on us.
And, if we refuse to face these as we move into adulthood, if we keep suppressing them, if we keep pushing them deeper into the subconscious, they can often manifest later as an addiction, as depression, anxiety, and self-hatred.
Meditation give us the chance to unlock these patterns. They allow us to step away from our limited sense of self and to look at these patterns from a higher perspective.
By bringing subconscious pains and blockages to the surface, by amplifying the patterns and processes that no longer serve us, meditation give us the chance to practice real love, compassion, and forgiveness for ourselves.
They allow us to heal and begin again.
The Buddhist practice of metta or ‘loving-kindness’ makes it a discipline to cultivate the feelings of loving-kindness, compassion, and joy for oneself and for all beings everywhere.
In this practice, some of us can feel a lot of resistance – sometimes it can even be painful, or it can bring about the opposite feelings of loving-kindness.
But if you stay dedicated to the practice, eventually you will open to your shadow, to your pains and traumas. Eventually you will be able to shine the light of love and compassion on them. With patience and care, you will become whole again.
About John Driggs
Hey. My name is John Driggs. I live on a quiet mountain property with my remarkable family – my partner Deb and our four kids.
Our property and our home is a sanctuary and a place of growth – a place where people can come to feel safe and loved, a place where teachers and artists can come together to share their wisdom and beauty, where they can host retreats, workshops, and other experiences that soften our hearts and expand our minds.
I’m looking forward to sharing my unbounded love and tender heart with each of you.
