Karanīya Metta Sutta

In the rich tapestry of Theravāda Buddhism’s Pali Canon, mettā, commonly known as loving-kindness, holds a revered place as one of the four “divine abodes” (brahmavihāra). This profound concept is not merely a virtue but an essential aspect recommended for cultivating interpersonal harmony and meditative concentration within the Buddhist tradition. The significance of mettā is further underscored in the ten “perfections” (pāramī) a Bodhisattva should fulfill in his journey towards awakening (Bodhi) and the ultimate goal of Buddhahood.

Background of the Mettā Sutta:

Delving into the roots of mettā, particularly in the post-canonical Sutta Nipāta commentary, reveals an enlightening background story linked to the Mettā Sutta. Legend has it that a group of monks, sent by the Buddha to meditate in a forest, found themselves terrorized by the earth devas dwelling in that serene locale. Confronted with fear, the monks turned to the Buddha for guidance on how to navigate this daunting situation.

The Buddha, embodying compassion and wisdom, responded by imparting the Mettā Sutta—a profound discourse on loving-kindness. This sacred teaching served as an antidote to the monks’ fear, offering them a transformative approach to overcoming adversity. Instructed by the Buddha, the monks recited the Mettā Sutta, channeling and radiating loving-kindness into the atmosphere.

The Power of Loving-Kindness

As the monks earnestly recited the sutta, a remarkable transformation unfolded. The genuine expression of mettā from their hearts not only pacified their own fears but also reached the ears of the earth devas. The devas, initially a source of fright, were soothed by the waves of loving-kindness emanating from the monks. Miraculously, the earth devas became at ease, and tranquility descended upon the once-turbulent forest.

The Mettā Sutta, therefore, stands as a testament to the profound impact of loving-kindness in overcoming fear and fostering harmony even in the face of supernatural challenges. Its teachings go beyond mere verbal recitation, emphasizing the genuine cultivation of a compassionate heart that has the power to influence and transform the energies around us.

Karaṇīyamatthakusalena
Yaṁ taṁ santaṁ padaṁ abhisamecca
Sakko ujū ca sūjū ca
Suvaco cassa mudu anatimānī
One skilled in good, wishing to attain that state of peace Nibbāna should act thus: he should be clever upright, exceedingly upright, obedient, gentle and humble.
Santussako ca subharo ca
Appakicco ca sallahukavutti
Santindriyo ca nipako ca
Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho
He should be content, easy to support, with few duties, living lightly,
controlled in senses, discerning, courteous and unattached to families.
Na ca khuddhaṁ samācare kiñci
Yena viññū pare upavadeyyuṁ
Sukhino vā khemino hontu
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā
One should not do any slight wrong which the wise might censure. May all beings be happy and secure! May all beings have happy minds!
Ye keci pāṇabhūtatthī
Tasā vā thāvarā vā anavasesā
Dīghā vā ye mahantā vā
Majjhimā rassakāṇuka-thūlā
Whatever living beings there may be without exception: timid or fearless; long or large, medium, short, tiny, or massive
Diṭṭhā vā yeva addiṭṭhā
Ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre
Bhūtā vā sambhavesī vā
Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā
Visible or invisible, living near or far, born or coming to birth, may
all beings have happy minds!
Na paro paraṁ nikubbetha
Nātimaññetha katthaci naṁ kanci
Byārosanā paṭighasaññā
Nāññamaññassa dukkhamiccheyya
Let no one deceive another, nor disparage anyone anywhere. Neither from anger nor ill will should anyone wish harm to another.
Mātā yathā niyaṁ puttaṁ
Āyusā eka-putta-manurakkhe
Evam’pi sabbabhūtesu
Mānasaṁ bhāvaye aparimāṇaṁ
As a mother would protect her only child above her own life, even so towards all living beings, one should cultivate boundless loving-kindness.
Mettaṁ ca sabba lokasmiṁ
Mānasaṁ bhāvaye aparimāṇaṁ
Uddhaṁ adho ca tiriyañca
Asambādhaṁ averaṁ asapattaṁ
One should cultivate for all the world a heart of boundless lovingkindness, above, below, and all around, unobstructed, without hatred or resentment.
Tiṭṭhaṁ caraṁ nisinno vā
Sayāno vā yāvata’ssa vigatamiddho
Etaṁ satiṁ adhiṭṭheyya
Brahmametaṁ vihāraṁ idhamāhu
Whether standing, walking or sitting, lying down or whenever awake, one should develop this mindfulness. This is called “divinely dwelling here.”
Diṭṭhiṁ ca anupagamma sīlavā
Dassanena sampanno
Kāmesu vineyya gedhaṁ
Na hi jātu gabbha-seyyaṁ punare tī’ti.
Not falling into wrong views, but virtuous and possessing the right
view, removing the desire for sensual pleasures, one never comes again to birth in the womb.