Karaniya Metta Sutta:

Discourse on practising loving kindness

By Premasara EPASINGHE

The chanting of Pali discourses or Pirith accompanies ceremonial occasions of many kinds, including some of the major events or the individual life-cycle. There are also many traditional ceremonies in which specifically Buddhist ritual plays little part.

However, chanting of Pirith comes into its own, with are someway dangerous or potentially so: death, illness, embarking upon some new activity or entering a new house. It may take place, sometimes on a small scale, but often there is an impressive and colourful ceremonial context, involving a great deal of careful preparation, all of which is meritorious activity.

Aldous Huxely, in End and Means, says, “Mind not only makes you sick, it also cures. An optimistic patient has more chance of setting well than a patient who is worried an unhappy.

The recorded instances of faith healing include cases in which even organic diseases were cured almost instantaneously.”

Psychology

Recent research in medicine, in experimental psychology and parapsychology has thrown light on the nature of mind.

The vibratory sounds of Pirith is no doubt soothing to the nerves and produce peace of mind and bring happiness to the system.

The Buddha himself had Pirith recited to Him, and he also requested others to recite it for his disciples when they were ill.

What is the secret behind these. Pirith Suttas? I presume it is the power of truth, protects a follower of truth” - (Dhammo have Rakkhati Dhammacarim)

Today, we discuss Karaniya Metta Sutta. Even the Buddha is said to have approved chanting of the Sutta to ward off evil spirits.

Once, a number of monks was meditating in the jungle. The evil spirits or non-humans, disturbed them and frighten the Bhikkhus.

They returned to the Jetavana Cave monastery and informed the Buddha. Karaniya Metta Sutta is said to have been taught by the Buddha to the Bhikkhus to propitiate the evil spirits who disturbed them when meditating in the jungle.

Happiness

In this important Sutta which consists of ten stanzas, Happiness is wished for all beings. The Sutta can be titled as the ‘Discourse on practising loving kindness.

The philosophy behind the Sutta is – Sukhino Va Khemino Hontu

Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta’

Which means “May all being be happy and safe. May all beings be of happy.”

In the Sutta, you shower kindness and compassion to all living beings – either trembling, firm, long, huge and middle in size fat, tall, short – Ye Kechi Panabhutatthi – Tasava Tha varava Anavasesa, Digha Va Yemahantava – Majjima Rassakanukathula.

The stanza number five shows the kindness and compassion shown by the Blessed One does not limit to specific boundaries.

It spreads to seen and unseen areas as well as those who live far and near. It begins: Those seen or those unseen – Ditthava Va Yeva Addhittha.

The verse number seven, can be considered as one of the highlights in Karaniya Metta Sutta.

Its a highly emotional, simple, sentimental stanza, where the Buddha compared the love and kindness of mother and her own child.

The greatest treasure that you possess is your mother. For a mother the most valuable treasures are her children.

You cannot separate the attachment and the bond between these two. The Buddha uttered following stanza:

Mata Yatha, Niyam Puttam
Ayusa Ekaputtam Anurakkhe
Evam Pi Sabbabhutesu
Manasam Bhavaye Aparimanam

Just as a mother, her own child, the only child, protects with her own life. In similar manner towards all beings one could develop an unlimited thought of loving kindness.

The stanza number eight and nine covers the entire universe. In stanza number nine the Buddha reminds of good living.

Mettam Ca Sabbalokasmin
Manasam Mhavaye Aparimanam
Uddham Adho Ca Tiriyan Ca
Asambadham, Averam, Asapattam

Towards the whole world of loving, kindness, an unlimited thoughts, should be developed.

Above, below and across, with no obstruction, free from enmity.Listening to Paritta Suttas and especially Karaniya Metta Sutta, one can bless the world with kindness.

Hearing or listening to Karaniya Metta Sutta or any other Sutta or reciting them, with generate energy and motivate you to perform good deeds. It teaches you an important lesson in life.

Loving kindness (Metta), Compassion (Karuna), Appreciative Joy (Mudhita) and Equanimity (Upekkha) in Buddhism are assessed as subline qualities.