KARAöäYA METTA-SUTTA With an Introduction, Translation, and Explanations Based on Pàëi Sources 1 2 KARAöäYA METTA-SUTTA The Message of Peace and Universal Friendliness With an Introduction, Translation, and Explanations Based on Pàëi Sources by Bhikkhu ¥àõadassana 3 THIS IS A GIFT OF DHAMMA `Sabbadànaŋ Dhammadànaŋ jinàti' (The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts) THE BUDDHA DEDICATION The merits accrued by this publication are dedicated to the sponsors. May their noble aspirations succeed in this very life. FREE HARD COPIES For free and postage-free hard copies please email to:
[email protected] Anyone desirous of reprinting this booklet for free distribution has permission to do so March, 2010 4 Contents pages Introduction . 7 - Gradual Way of Practice . 9 - The Background Story . 14 - The Intrinsic Power of Mettà . 17 KARAöäYA METTA-SUTTA . 19 Explanations . 25 - Cultivation of Virtue (sãla) . 27 - Meditation on Friendliness (mettà) 49 - From Mettà Jhàna to Nibbàna . 58 About the Author . 66 5 INTRODUCTION 6 K araõãya Metta-sutta lies at the heart of the Buddha's beautiful ideal of peace, friendli- ness, amity, and goodwill and guides us towards leading a serene life. When practised diligently Ý whether one stands, walks, sits, or lies down Ý its intrinsic power enriches and empowers one- self so as to overcome day-to-day problems in life. It is a popular discourse, in the form of a poem, and one of the best known and most cited and re- cited in Theravàda Buddhist countries. It is found in the Pàli Canon's Khuddakapàñha and Sutta Nipàta with the title Metta-sutta (The Discourse on Friendliness).