Bodhipaksa

The Buddha’s Words on Love (Metta Sutta)

This is what ought to be done by one who is skilled in discerning what is good, who has understood the path to peace. He should be able, upright, and straightforward, of good speech, gentle, and free from pride,

Contented, easily satisfied, having few duties, living simply, of controlled senses, prudent, without pride and attachment to clan.

Let him not do the slightest thing for which the wise might rebuke him; instead thinking, “May all beings be well and safe, may they be at ease.”

“Whatever living beings there may be, whether moving or standing still, without exception, whether large, great, middling, or small, whether tiny or substantial,

“Whether seen or unseen, whether living near or far, Born or unborn; may all beings be happy.

“Let none deceive or despise another anywhere. Let none wish harm to another, in anger or in hate.”

Just as a mother would guard her child, her only child, with her own life, even so let him cultivate a boundless mind for all beings in the world.

Let him cultivate a boundless love for all beings in the world, above, below, and across, unhindered, without ill will or enmity.

Standing, walking, seated, or lying down, free from torpor he should as far as possible fix his attention on this recollection. This, they say, is the divine life right here.

Not falling into false opinions, virtuous and endowed with vision, having abandoned sensuous greed, he surely is never again reborn.

Translated by Bodhipaksa

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