Yoga, Astrology, & Spiritual Development - Time & Space Consulting, LLC

METTA
a spiritual practice

About 6 years ago I had the great good fortune to meet Sylvia Boorstein, a meditation teacher from the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. I loved her at first sight. She was the epitome of The GrandMother archetype for me. Round, jolly, sparkling, and chock full of the kind of everyday wisdom that only comes from deep study and years of personal practice. I assisted her with her 5-day program at Kripalu Center and became enamoured of Metta Meditation as a spiritual practice. Every summer for the following four years I returned to Kripalu to assist, practice and learn from Sylvia all about metta and the practice of lovingkindness.

Metta Meditation is a practice that was given to the Buddah's students whereby particular phrases are repeated over and over, as in a mantra practice. The difference is that the phrases are first oriented towards oneself, then directed towards someone else, and finally for the well being of All beings. Beginning with oneself is critically important as the following quote of Gautama Buddah suggests.

“You can search throughout the entire universe

for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself,

and that person is not to be found anywhere.

You,

yourself,

as much as anybody in the entire universe,

deserve your love and affection”

It is promised that if one diligently practices metta meditation certain benefits could be realized. Here they are:

You will sleep easily.
Wake easily.
You will have peaceful dreams.
People will love you.
Angels will love you.
Angels will protect you.
Poisons and weapons and fire will not harm you.
Your face will be radiant.
Your mind will be serene.
You will die unconfused.
And, when you die you will be reborn in heavenly realms.

The phrases that are used contain words extracted from a sutra, or spiritual writing. It's okay to make up your own phrases, it's the practice that counts, not the words. Different teachers use different phrases. These are the phrases that I learned from Sylvia.

May I feel protected and safe.
May I be contented and pleased
May my physical body support me with strength.
May my life unfold smoothly with ease.

Practice saying the metta for yourself. See what happens. Then say it for another person in your life. See what happens. Try saying it for someone in your life who's difficult. See what happens. Say it for all beings and help to create a more peaceful world. See what happens.

Om shanti,
ida

On occasional sunday's we gather together to practice metta meditation at the sanctuary. It's a free class open to all and donations are gratefully accepted.

For more information, check the schedule

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