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The Buddhist Practice of Loving Kindness (Metta)

By Barbara O'Brien

Loving-kindness is defined in English dictionaries as a feeling of benevolent affection, but in Buddhism, loving-kindness (in Pali, Metta; in Sanskrit, Maitri) is thought of as a mental state or attitude, cultivated and maintained by practice. This cultivation of loving-kindness is an essential part of Buddhism.

Read on www.thoughtco.com

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A Meditation on Lovingkindness

This meditation uses words, images, and feelings to evoke a lovingkindness and friendliness toward oneself and others.

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Moving Beyond Meditation

Grounded in our formal practice of meditation, we can relax into the vast, open awareness that is our ultimate nature. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche tells the story of his own introduction to the Great Perfection.

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How to Meditate

Meditation isn't very hard. In fact: if you can breathe, you can meditate. Learn how to meditate, as taught by the Buddha, with our easy-to-follow guide.

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Are We Really Meditating?

Elizabeth Mattis-Namgyel examines common misconceptions about Buddhist practice that can derail even the most seasoned practitioners.

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The Practice of Loving-Kindness (Metta) as Taught by the Buddha in the Pali Canon

The word "love"—one of the most compelling in the English language—is commonly used for purposes so widely separated, so gross and so rarefied, as to render it sometimes nearly meaningless.

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How to Practice Loving-Kindness

JoAnna Hardy teaches us the famed Buddhist practice of metta – offering love to ourselves and others.

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Cultivating Compassion

How to love yourself and others.

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Good Cause

Reginald A. Ray discusses the close connection between Buddhist philosophy and practice.

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Cultivate a Metta Mind: Loving-Kindness Meditation

Loving-kindness meditation (metta) challenges us to send love and compassion to the difficult people in our lives, including ourselves.

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Personalize Your Loving-Kindness Meditation

Self-compassion is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself. Use this guide to craft loving-kindness phrases that feel meaningful for you.

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Buddhism