Metta Sangha

You are cordially invited to our weekly community sit!

Metta is the Pali word for Loving Kindness. It is also called Maitri in Sanskrit. It is a genuine altruistic love for oneself and all living beings, without exceptions.

In this weekly meditation sit, we explore ways in which the principles of Metta can be applied to our everyday lives. The teachings on Metta are powerful transformation tools for oneself and others.

The concept of Metta can be best understood through its place among the Brahmaviharas, or the Four Immeasurrables.

The practice includes the concepts of:
* Friendliness (Metta / Maitri)
* Benevolence, appreciation, joy (mudita)
* Compassion (karuna)
* Equanimity (upekkha)

Practicing loving-kindness meditation with a focus on these four immeasurables offers numerous benefits:

1. Cultivation of Positive Qualities: We consciously cultivate positive qualities such as love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, leading to a more wholesome state of mind. We move towards embodying these values as a way of being.
2. Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: With regular practice, we may see a reduction in anger, hatred, and jealousy while increasing love, compassion, and joy. This leads to greater emotional balance and resilience.
3. Improved Relationships: Over time, we develop deeper and more harmonious relationships with others. This fosters understanding, forgiveness, and connection, leading to healthier interpersonal dynamics.
4. Greater Self-Awareness and Self-Compassion: We practice extending kindness and compassion towards ourselves, promoting self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. This is essential for building a positive self-image and inner peace.
5. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: In the long term, this practice is crucial in reducing stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation, inner peace, and a sense of well-being. It enables us to approach life's challenges with greater resilience and equanimity.
6. Development of Spiritual Qualities: As a by-product of this practice, we cultivate qualities such as generosity, patience, and wisdom, leading to spiritual growth and awakening.
7. Expansion of Boundless Love and Compassion: This practice is expansive. We include ourselves, loved ones, strangers, difficult people and all other beings/species. We become more understanding and able to hold space for the suffering and liberation of all.
8. Alignment with Non-Violence: At the core, this practice upholds values of compassion, and non-harming; it centers on the alleviation of suffering of all beings. We incorporate the practical application of these principles in daily life.

Practicing in a community that upholds collective liberation can be affirming and empowering. We are a pro 2sLGBTQ+ / Dalit / Indigenous / Black / Muslim / Disabled space. Our members belong to all races and socioeconomic backgrounds and come from different parts of the world. We celebrate our successes and support each other through difficult times.

To participate in the Metta circle, please email: Ekta.Hattangady@gmail.com or find the latest link on the Meditation Channel on Instagram: @journeywithcompassion.