Metta

Meaning

Metta is the best-known of the four immeasurable states of mind (brahmaviharas). Traditionally translated as “loving-kindness,” but “goodwill,” “active friendliness,” or “benevolence” more accurately convey its meaning.

Key aspects

• The Pali mettā derives from mitta - “friend,” making “friendliness” a more accurate translation. For love-attachment, Pali has a different word: pema, which can be conditioned and impermanent
• While metta includes an emotional component, it primarily implies a benevolent attitude grounded in wisdom and respect. This attitude is based on understanding that genuine happiness can ultimately be found only by oneself. Thus it can manifest differently: sometimes as active support, sometimes as wise non-interference and respect for others’ boundaries
• Metta is a stable, non-selective stance of friendliness and support, not a momentary impulse of kindness. It does not cling and demands nothing in return. It is a conscious inner decision to relate to the world with goodwill
• The practice of metta can be a direct antidote to ill-will, aversion, and hatred (dosa - one of the three roots of suffering)

What metta is not

It is not passionate or sentimental love, not blind trust, and not the suppression of anger.

Connection with other qualities

By cultivating metta, we primarily benefit ourselves, creating a favorable environment in the mind for the development of wisdom and peace. Recalling the Simile of the Cloth (MN7): metta is one of the four “noble dyes” of the Dhamma. For it to take evenly and without distortion, the cloth of the mind must be clean. The practice of metta and the practice of purifying the mind go hand in hand, mutually reinforcing each other.

Metta-bhavana practice

The classical practice of cultivating metta begins with developing goodwill toward oneself, then toward loved ones, neutral people, difficult people, and finally toward all living beings without limit.

Key phrases used in practice: “May these beings live happily, free from enmity, free from oppression, free from anxiety” (AN 10.176).