Significance of Loving Kindness
Loving Kindness is a fundamental principle in Buddhism, representing compassion and goodwill towards all beings. It encompasses various practices, including Metta meditation, aimed at developing affection and a positive mental state that counteracts anger and negative emotions. Across different Buddhist traditions, Loving Kindness is emphasized as essential for the spiritual path, fostering a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others. Ultimately, it reflects the desire for the happiness and welfare of all living beings, guiding moral actions and nurturing a state of universal goodwill.
Synonyms: Compassion, Affection, Warmth, Tenderness, Benevolence, Goodwill, Empathy, Regard, Charity, Concern., Kindness
In Dutch: Liefdevolle vriendelijkheid; In Finnish: Rakastava Yst盲v盲llisyys; In Spanish: Bondad amorosa; In German: Liebende G眉te; In Malay: Kasih Sayang; In Swedish: K盲rleksfull v盲nlighet; In French: 叠辞苍迟茅
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Loving Kindness'
Loving Kindness, or Metta, in Buddhism emphasizes compassion and goodwill towards all beings, fostering happiness, mitigating grudges, and promoting ethical living, ultimately guiding practitioners to develop a profound altruistic mindset central to Buddhist virtue.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A key practice emphasized by the rishi, nurturing compassion and benevolence towards others.[1] (2) Maitri; a heartfelt wish for the well-being and happiness of all beings, which drives the bodhisattva's actions towards others.[2] (3) A mental state cultivated by Sunetra through meditation, aiming for universal compassion and understanding, crucial in Buddhist practice.[3] (4) An expression of compassion and goodwill towards all living beings.[4] (5) A fundamental quality associated with the Buddha that concerns the well-being of beings.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The compassion and care extended by the Bodhisattva, which transcends conventional forms of kindness.[6] (2) An immeasurable quality of compassion that seeks the happiness and wellbeing of all beings, considered a core virtue in Buddhism.[7] (3) An essential virtue that Bodhisattvas cultivate to benefit all beings, treating them as one would their only son.[8] (4) An important quality of compassion and care shown by the Buddha towards all beings, indicative of his desire to help others attain enlightenment.[9] (5) A form of meditation taught to mitigate anger, promoting compassion and goodwill towards oneself and others.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) This is the meaning derived from the name Maitreya, representing his unwavering affection and compassion.[11] (2) An attitude of care and affection for others, which is related but insufficient on its own to constitute bodhicitta.[12] (3) A state of mind that wishes for the happiness of all beings, also referred to as 'maitri' in Sanskrit.[13] (4) An early compassionate thought that the future Buddha developed while in the hell realm.[14]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A practice of meditation aimed at developing an attitude of kindness and goodwill towards oneself and others.[15] (2) A fundamental principle in Buddhism encompassing goodwill and compassion towards all beings.[16] (3) A virtuous quality that is part of the teachings associated with the kappa-kolahala, emphasizing compassion and goodwill.[17] (4) A meditative practice encouraged within Buddhist teachings, aimed at cultivating goodwill and compassion towards all beings.[18] (5) A positive mental state or emotion that is reflected in actions and expressions towards others within the community.[19]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A quality that can be developed by individuals from any class, including those outside the brahmin caste, as discussed in the Esukari Sutta.[20] (2) A quality that should be developed towards all sentient beings, recognizing their interconnectedness in past lives.[21] (3) A positive mental state that counteracts ill will and hatred, as advocated in the Buddha's teachings.[22] (4) One of the virtues accomplished by the Bodhisatta, depicted in two stories that emphasize compassion.[23] (5) A quality that should be cultivated in addressing grudges towards others.[24]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The practice of wishing happiness and well-being to all beings, including humans and animals, without expecting anything in return, synonymous with maitri.[25] (2) The antidote to enmity, as taught by the Buddha, which fosters compassion and reconciliation rather than revenge.[26] (3) A sincere wish for the welfare and genuine happiness of all living beings without exception, characterized by compassion that transcends boundaries.[27] (4) A theme explored in one of Ven. Sarada Maha Thero's published titles, highlighting the Buddhist practice of compassion.[28] (5) The essence of the Metta Sutta taught by the Buddha; it emphasizes the cultivation of goodwill and kindness towards all beings.[29]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) One of the four moral virtues (Brahmaviharas), representing the quality of unconditional love and care for all beings.[30] (2) The direct opposite of ill will, indicative of abyapada vitakka.[31] (3) Mett谩 (loving-kindness) is radiated primarily towards friends, relatives, and kith and kin.[32] (4) Adosa is synonymous with metta, which is characterized as loving-kindness, a valued trait throughout the world.[33] (5) A virtue that is rare in contemporary society, essential for compassion and sympathetic joy.[34]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Metta, a form of non-aversion directed towards living beings, characterized by promoting welfare and removing annoyance.[35] (2) Loving kindness is a form of non-aversion that inherently includes non-attachment, leading to genuine concern for others.[36] (3) Loving kindness, metta, is the cetasika which is non-aversion and arises with every sobhana citta.[37] (4) A cetasika arising with every sobhana citta characterized by non-aversion, directed towards beings with the aim of promoting their welfare.[38] (5) An attitude of goodwill and compassion towards others that opposes conceit.[39]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A positive mental state that promotes feelings of love and goodwill towards oneself and others, emphasized as the first meditation subject for beginners.[40] (2) A meditation subject promoting goodwill and compassion towards others, essential for fostering positive interactions and minimizing conflict.[41] (3) A state characterized by a positive orientation towards the well-being of others, aiming to promote welfare and mitigate ill will.[42] (4) A compassionate and caring attitude toward others that complements and reinforces a practice of generosity.[43]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A mental state that should be practiced for the attainment of certain advantages.[44] (2) A mental state characterized by compassion and goodwill towards others, especially in context of communication and reproving.[45] (3) An attitude of compassion and goodwill that should govern one's speech and interactions.[46]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) One of the 4 Brahma-viharas, representing an attitude of unconditional love towards all beings.[47] (2) A concept that means 'love without lust' or friendliness or spiritual love, opposing hatred, ill-will, or anger.[48] (3) Cultivating a spirit of loving-kindness involves offering goodwill to all beings and can transform relationships.[49]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A form of benevolence that aims for the happiness and well-being of all beings, opposing feelings of hatred and aversion.[50] (2) One of the Illimitables in meditation, which when practiced can develop into four different states of jhana.[51]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A significant principle of practice acknowledged among monks, reflecting compassion and benevolence toward others.[52]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The quality of compassion and benevolence that the Bodhisatta urged Prince Wicked to embrace.[53]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) An essential quality encouraged to be developed by the beings informed about the tidings of the world's end, representing compassion and care for others.[54] (2) A practice emphasized by the silent buddhas as part of their development, signifying an attitude of goodwill and compassion towards all living beings.[55] (3) A core Buddhist principle of compassion and goodwill towards all beings.[56] (4) A mental exercise (kammatthana) focused on developing compassion and benevolence toward all beings.[57] (5) The benevolent and compassionate nature of the Glorious One, expressed in the phrase 'He pervaded the world with loving kindness'.[58]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A quality of compassion and goodwill developed to combat anger and negative emotions towards oneself and others.[59] (2) Metta, an approach in meditation that involves spreading goodwill and kindness to all living beings for protection.[60]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A fundamental aspect of the four immeasurables that embodies unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings.[61] (2) The intention and practice of caring for others' welfare, vital in the practice of bodhicitta.[62]
Hindu concept of 'Loving Kindness'
In Hinduism, Loving Kindness embodies caring behavior essential for military success, compassionate support in emotional distress, benevolence from deities like Vritra, and parental affection exemplified by a husband's treatment of his wife.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A parental affection that a husband should exhibit towards his wife.[63] (2) The benevolent compassion shown by Vritra, the Daitya, who cast a beneficent glance across the Three Worlds.[64]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) She is the dispeller of the gloom of his mind, by reason of her loving kindness to him.[65]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The caring and affectionate behavior among soldiers, regarded as an essential quality for future military success.[66]
The concept of Loving Kindness in local and regional sources
Loving Kindness embodies compassion and empathy, crucial in overcoming conflict and enmity, essential in Hindu ethics, reflected in Shri Chaitanya's ideals, and a quality of great souls that inspires strength and virtue.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An essential virtue in Hindu ethics, emphasizing compassion and care for all living entities.[67] (2) An approach of compassion and empathy, regarded as the most effective means for overcoming enmity and conflict.[68]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Loving kindness is presented as a source of support, which the Pope implores for to assist Queen Ethelberg in her task of converting her consort.[69] (2) Loving kindness is the mercy of God that led Him to enlighten the nations with the knowledge of Himself for the benefit of all creatures.[70]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Loving kindness is a quality found in great souls, and Swamiji mentions that he gained strength from coming into contact with them.[71] (2) Loving kindness to all beings is one of the aspects of Shri Chaitanya that should be gathered, along with his heart and burning passion for God, to make his renunciation the ideal of your life.[72]