Benefits of loving kindness

by Premasara Epasinghe

The 11 profits of Metta (loving kindness) are mentioned in the Mettanisamsa stanzas. The person who practises loving kindness sleeps well, gets up well or does not see bad dreams, remains lovable to human and non-humans. The deities protect him from fire, poison or weapon. His face becomes bright, his mind becomes clam and he dies peacefully.

Mettanisamsa Sutta, which is in the Catubhanavara – Pali is extricated from Anguttara Nikaya.

The other Suttas that belong to Anguttara Nikaya are Paccavekkhana Dasadamma – Sutta and Girimananda Sutta.

The first three stanza and the last line of the 10th stanza, say that a Kalyanamitta is someone who stands by you in your hour of happiness as well as the hour of need. He is a friend who does not deserve you - Yo Mittanam Na Dubhati”.

The first stanza reads as follows:

Pahutabhakkho Bhavati
Vippavuttha Saka Ghara
Bahu Nam Upajivantu
Yo Mittanam Na Dubhai

He eats a lot, entertained well, when he is out of home. May depend on him, who does not deceive friends.

An honest, true friend who does not deceive friends is honoured, respected every where. Further, he overcomes all foes – Sabbe Amitte Tarati.

A person who does not deceive friends returns home unanswered – Akkuddho. He is always happy in an assembly. Also he is he best relative – Natinam Uttamo Hoti.

There is a golden rule – to gain respect and honour, one must respect others.

By this an individual will gain splendour and fame. It is clearly shown in the following stanza:

Sakkatava Sakkato Hoti
Garu Hot, Sagaravo
Vannakittibhato Hoti
Yo Mittanam Na Dubhah

A person who does not deceive friends, shines like the fire – Aggni. He is outstanding and brilliant like a deity - Devata va Virocati. Further, the cows of such individuals give abundant milk. Whatever is sown by them will bear fruit. It is explained in the following stanza:

Gavo Tassa Pajayanti
Khette Vuttam Viruhati
Puttanam Phalam – Ashati

Even if you fall from a mountain or from dark cavern or cave, or from a tree provided you follow Mittanisamsa Sutta, you will not be injured.

The great book of protection – Maha Pirith Poth Vahanse contains many Pirith Suttas which will ward off-evil, bring you good luck and prosperity.

Famine

According to the great chronicle Mahavamsa at the time of King Upatissa I, Sri Lanka was afflicted with famine and disease. The King had a golden image of the Buddha made and placed the stone alms bowls, filled with water on its hands and placed the statue with a bowl in the chariot, and sprinkled water. During the Buddha's era, when the city of Vesali was affected with famine, Ratana Sutta was recited by the Buddha and Ananda Thera went round the city reciting the same and sprinkling water from the Buddha's arms-bowl.

The Pirith Poth Vahanse is divided into four sections called Bhanavaras or recitals.

The first Bhanavaras ends with Dhajaga Paritta.
The second with Issgili Sutta.

The third with the first part of Atanatiya Sutta and the Fourth with the Second Part of Atanatiya Sutta.