Chapter 21

The Mettá Sutta

Loving-kindness

1. He who is skilled in his good, and who wishes to attain that state of Calm, should act thus: -

2. He should be able, upright, perfectly upright, obedient, gentle and humble. Contented easily supportable, with few duties, of light livelihood, with senses controlled, discreet, not impudent, not be greedily, attached to families.

3. He should not commit any slight wrong on account of which other wise men might censure him. May all beings be happy and secure, may their hearts be wholesome.

4. Whatever living beings there be - feeble or strong, long, stout or medium, short, small or large, seen or unseen, those dwelling far or near, those who are to be born - may all beings, without exception, be happy minded.

5. Let none deceive another nor despise any person whatever in any place. In anger or ill-will let him not wish harm to another.

6. Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own, even so, let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings.

7. Let his thought of boundless love pervade the whole world - above, below across without any hatred, without any enmity.

8. Whether he stands, walks, sits or lies down, as long as he is awake, he should develop this mindfulness. This, they say, is the Highest Conduct here.

9. Not falling into Error, virtuous and endowed with Insight, he discards attachment to sense-desires. Of a truth, he does not come again for conception in a womb.