Pragna Paramita - Metta, Loving Kindness

 Metta, Loving Kindness is one of the ten virtues of wisdom. There are three ways of cultivating skills of loving kindness. Before we learn how to practice loving kindness we need to know what hinders or obstructs the cultivation of loving kindness.
There are five hindrances.

1. Ill will
2. Greed or craving
3. Sleepiness and tiredness.
4. Doubt
5. Monkey mind.

We need to work on these hurdles before we cultivate the skill of loving kindness. Otherwise our progress will be slowed by the hindrances.

The first way or version is for the monastics. As the Metta Sutta describes,” Come, monastics, give up these five hindrances, corruptions of the heart that weaken wisdom, and meditate spreading a heart full of lovingkindness to the whole world-abundantant, expansive, limitless, free of enmity and ill will. “

The second way or version is for the worldly people. As the Metta Sutta describes, “ Just as a mother would protect her only son, with her own life, so one should develop toward all beings a state of mind without boundaries.”

We broadcast these emotions of loving kindness like a conch blower or horn blower spreading the sound everywhere, in all directions. This practice is to change the way our unmindful mind works. It is to make our mind malleable and fluid without bounding, spreading all around in all directions; to shift the focus of our mind from unskillful emotions like ill will, resentment, anger or hatred to the skillful emotions like loving kindness towards all beings. Changes do not happen in a short time. We need to practice loving kindness on a consistent basis. You may select one person per day and expand your circle slowly. Do not rush. It is like planting the seeds of loving kindness in a small pot and slowly expanding the pot.

The word love has many faces. In ancient Greek language three are three different words for love:

• Agape-pure, universal Divine Love.
• Philia-brotherly love. Love for family, mother child love, love for friends, even strangers who extend their helping hands unconditionally.
  
• Romantic and sexual love.

Loving kindness is pushing us toward agape and philia from the limiting romantic and sexual love. It does not mean not to enjoy life. In fact life becomes more joyful when we free ourselves from the shackles of unmindfulness and unawareness.

When we start practicing Metta, we begin with being kind and loving to us. May I be safe. May I be healthy. May I be kind. May I be peaceful. May I be at ease. May I be loving. Select three areas of your relational life which are relevant to you at this time in your life. Then replace them and expand the areas. From the self we expand to family, friends, neighbors, strangers and others. The last circle is our enemy or adversary. This is not easy to do. This is our spiritual practice that embraces all beings without boundaries and barriers.

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