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मेत्ता

Mettā

Loving-kindness / Goodwill / Benevolence

beginnerVirtues & Perfections (波羅蜜)

Grammar 語法

feminine noun (ā-stem): from mitta (friend)

Definition 釋義

The first of the four brahmavihārās (divine abidings) — the unconditional wish for all beings to be happy and well. Mettā is not romantic love or attachment (pema), which is based on conditions. It is the friend's goodwill that wishes happiness without expecting anything in return. Systematic mettā meditation (mettā bhāvanā) begins with oneself, extends to loved ones, neutral persons, difficult persons, and ultimately all beings. A mind suffused with mettā is also one of the ten pāramitās.

Canonical Example 典籍例句

Mettañca sabbalokasmiṃ, mānasaṃ bhāvaye aparimāṇaṃ.

Let one cultivate a boundless mind of goodwill toward all the world.

Source: Karaṇīyamettā Sutta, Sn 1.8