Schools > Students > Ages 15-16 > Living the Buddhist life > Metta and KarunaMetta and Karuna
Metta (Sk, maitri), karuna, mudita and upekkha (Sk. upeksha) are the Four Brahma Viharas, or Divine Abodes. Mudita is the quality of rejoicing in the happiness of others. Upekkha is the quality of equanimity, a calm, even joy unruffled by life's events
Metta: Universal Loving Kindness
Metta is
- based on a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things
- an attitude of the heart and mind that unconditionally seeks the well being of all
- the antidote to hatred or ill will
If you know your own good
and know where peace dwells
then this is the task:
Lead a simple and a frugal life
uncorrupted, capable and just;
be mild, speak soft, eradicate conceit,
keep appetites and senses calm.
Be discreet and unassuming;
do not seek rewards.
Do not have to be ashamed
in the presence of the wise.
May everything that lives be well!
Weak or strong, large or small,seen or unseen, here or elsewhere,
present or to come, in heights or depths,
may all be well.
Have that mind for all the world -
get rid of lies and pride -
a mother’s mind for her baby,
her love, but now unbounded.
Secure this mind of love,
no enemies, no obstructions,
wherever or however you may be!
It is sublime, this,
it escapes birth and death,
losing lust and delusion,
and living in the truth!
Karaniya Metta Sutta
The Metta Bhavana meditation is a practice which helps develop an attitude of well-wishing towards all living beings.
There are five stages to the meditation:
- First one develops an attitude of kindness, appreciation and well-wishing towards oneself, then one extends this to include:
- a good friend
- a person one doesn’t feel much connection with
- a person one dislikes
- all living beings
Bhavana means cultivation of, or bringing into being.