The practice of mettābhāvanā (meditation of loving kindness) is an important adjunct to the technique of Vipassana meditation— indeed, its logical outcome. It is a technique whereby we radiate loving kindness and good will toward all beings, deliberately charging the atmosphere around us with the calming, positive vibrations of pure and compassionate love. The Buddha instructed his followers to develop mettā so as to lead more peaceful and harmonious lives and to help others do so as well. Students of Vipassana should follow that instruction because mettā gives us a way to share with all others the peace and harmony we are developing. The commentaries state: Mijjati siniyhati’ti mettā—“That which inclines one to a friendly disposition is mettā.” It is a sincere wish for the good and welfare of all, devoid of ill will. Adoso’ti mettā —“Non-aversion is mettā.” The chief characteristic of mettā is a benevolent attitude. It culminates in the identification of oneself with all beings, a recognition of the fellowship of all life. To grasp this concept at least intellectually is easy enough, but it is far harder to develop such an attitude in oneself. To do so some practice is needed, and so we have the technique of mettābhāvanā, the systematic cultivation of good will toward others. To be really effective though, mettā meditation must be practiced along with Vipassana meditation. So long as negativities such as aversion dominate the mind, it is futile to formulate conscious thoughts of good will, and doing so would be a ritual devoid of inner meaning. However, when negativities are removed by the practice of Vipassana, good will naturally wells up in the mind; and emerging from the prison of self-obsession, we begin to concern ourselves with the welfare of others. For this reason, the technique ofmettābhāvanā is introduced only at the end of a Vipassana course, after the participants have passed through the process of purification. At such a time meditators often feel a deep wish for the well-being of others, making their practice of mettā truly effective. Though limited time is devoted to it in a course, mettā may be regarded as the culmination of the practice of Vipassana. ~ SNG @ Chronicles of Dhamma!!!
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:44:21 +0000
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