Metta is a Pali word that embodies the concept of unconditional love - parallel to the Greek notion of agape. While often translated as "loving-kindness," this translation only captures a portion of its profound meaning.
Metta represents love in its purest form: loving beings simply because they exist, without any expectation of return or consideration of their qualities, actions, or relationship to oneself. It is one of the four Brahmaviharas (sublime attitudes) and stands as a cornerstone practice in Buddhism for cultivating an all-encompassing, unconditional love for all beings.
In Mettamancy, metta represents the pinnacle of unconditional love as a transformative force and way of life. It calls practitioners to extend this boundless, unconditional love to all that exists - ourselves and all beings as part of a larger ecology - without discrimination or prerequisite.
This radical inclusivity promotes actions and rituals that embody pure love's transformative power, transcending conventional notions of affection or compassion that might be based on merit, reciprocity, or relationship.
The nature of metta-citta
Metta-citta represents the heart-mind of universal love, a state of consciousness that transcends ordinary affection. In Mettamancy, we understand metta-citta as:
- A boundless state of mind that knows no anger or ill-will
- An emancipatory force that frees us from self-centered thinking
- A transformative power that can be cultivated through consistent practice
- A foundation for authentic connection with all beings
According to passages of the Samyutta Nikaya (a collection of Buddhist scriptures), the development of metta citta is considered more valuable than external practices or material offerings. Even a moment of metta-citta, as brief as "one pull at a cow's udder," is said to be more fruitful than numerous material gifts. (S. ii: 264.)
Metta and the Brahmaviharas
Metta is considered the most fundamental of the four brahmaviharas; the other three being karuna, mudita and upekkha.
Karuna, mudita and upekkha can be seen as applications or expressions of metta when it encounters different circumstances:
- Karuna is the compassionate wish to reduce and alleviate suffering, which arises when metta meets suffering.
- Mudita is appreciative joy, the feeling of rejoice towards goodness in all things, which arises when metta encounters happiness.
- Upekkha (non-egocentric equanimity) provides the balance and wisdom that guides and enables the universal, unconditional expression of metta.
In Mettamancy, we recognize that while metta bhavana (cultivation of metta) is often the primary gateway practice, all brahmaviharas are equally important for developing a complete understanding of universal goodwill.
Why is it important to cultivate metta?
Benefits of Metta Practice
The cultivation of metta offers profound benefits in various aspects.
On the personal aspect, here has been documented research which demonstrates that metta directed inwards as self-compassion has measurable and meaningful benefits for psychological health, resilience, and quality of life. These findings show the universal importance and positive potential of practicing metta towards oneself.
On a relational aspect, metta also strengthens social connections and widens our circles of empathy. Extending metta to others, even people whom we find difficult to be with, allows one to overcome prejudices and relate to people with more compassion and less judgment. This fosters a greater sense of interbeing and more harmonious relationships.
At the Mettamancy Collective, we believe that these benefits would contribute to collective wellbeing and promote peace and harmony. By committing to cultivating metta-citta, we are also cultivating a sense of universal responsibility in kinship with all life.
Sharing Metta Practices
The transformative benefits of metta practice are meant to be freely available to all beings. In alignment with this principle, the Mettamancy Collective has been documenting practices associated with metta across times and cultures to make them freely accessible to enable practitioners to establish communities of practice. We envision these communities as nodes of peace and transformation, where:
- Practitioners support each other in deepening their understanding and embodiment of metta.
- The universal benefits of metta practice can ripple outward into broader society.
- Traditional wisdom meets present-day application in accessible ways.
- The unconditional nature of metta is reflected in the unconditional sharing of resources.
This approach honours both the boundless nature of metta itself and the Collective's commitment to making these practices available without barriers, fostering a growing network of practitioners and communities dedicated to cultivating unconditional love.
Metta in Mettamancy
Metta remains a cornerstone of Mettamancy practice, offering a profound path to personal transformation and collective harmony. Through the cultivation of metta citta, practitioners develop the capacity to extend boundless love to all beings. It is truly a universal necessity for the well-being of all.
Related terms
- Brahmavihara
- Karuna (Compassion)
- Mudita (Sympathetic Joy)
- Upekkha (Equanimity)
- Metta Meditation
