[Intro]
In a world where minds may disagree,
Different roads, different dreams to see,
If we keep the flames of anger burning,
When will peace arrive for you and me?
[Verse 1]
Let the heart release the chains of hate,
Let resentment slowly fade away.
Words can wound and leave a scar behind,
Choose compassion in the things we say.
Kindness doesn't mean we let wrong prevail,
Nor must we answer harm with pain.
Stand for what is right with wisdom,
Without spreading hatred once again.
[Pre-Chorus]
May all beings live in peace,
May hostility and suffering cease.
May no one harm another soul,
May compassion make our spirits whole.
[Chorus]
Mettā, Mettā, let your kindness flow,
To every heart, wherever beings go.
May all be free from hate and fear,
May peace and happiness draw near.
Mettā, Mettā, let the light shine through,
Begin with me, begin with you.
When we choose not to cause another pain,
A kinder world can rise again.
[Verse 2]
Faith and effort, mindfulness and wisdom,
Concentration guiding every day.
Practice kindness not in words alone,
Let our actions show the path we say.
Do not kill or oppress another,
Do not add to someone else's pain.
Whether near or far, friend or stranger,
May all find peace and joy again.
[Bridge]
East and west, the north and south,
Every corner of this earth.
Above and below, in every direction,
May all beings know their worth.
When the heart is free from ill will,
Wisdom helps the mind grow still.
Loving-kindness joined with insight
Brings a peaceful world to life.
[Final Chorus]
Mettā, Mettā, let your kindness flow,
To every heart, wherever beings go.
May all be free from hate and fear,
May peace and happiness draw near.
Mettā, Mettā, let the light shine through,
Begin with me, begin with you.
When we choose not to cause another pain,
A kinder world can rise again.
[Outro]
May all beings live in peace,
May all suffering find release.
Let loving-kindness start within,
And let a brighter world begin.
The Metta Discourse: The Liberation of the Mind Through Loving-Kindness
Source: The Tipiṭaka, Volume 31, Sutta Piṭaka, Volume 23, Khuddaka Nikāya, Paṭisambhidāmagga, Yuganaddha Vagga, Mettā Kathā.
1. Background and meaning
The Mettā Kathā, or Discourse on Loving-Kindness, explains how loving-kindness can be cultivated repeatedly, developed to its fullest extent, and established firmly in the mind. This practice is known as Mettā-cetovimutti, the liberation of the mind through loving-kindness.
The essential principle is to develop a mind free from ill will and hostility, extending goodwill to all beings without discrimination.
The discourse describes eleven benefits of thoroughly cultivating loving-kindness:
One sleeps peacefully.
One awakens peacefully.
One does not have evil dreams.
One is loved by human beings.
One is loved by non-human beings.
One is protected by celestial beings.
Fire, poison, and weapons do not affect one, as stated in the discourse.
The mind becomes concentrated quickly.
One's facial expression becomes serene.
One dies without confusion.
If one has not attained a higher realization, one is reborn in the Brahma world.
These benefits are presented according to the Buddhist scriptures and their traditional understanding of karma and rebirth. They should not be interpreted as a scientific guarantee of immunity from physical danger.
2. Extending loving-kindness to all beings
The discourse explains several ways of radiating loving-kindness.
Non-specific loving-kindness: Extending goodwill to all beings without selecting particular individuals or groups.
Specific loving-kindness: Extending goodwill to particular categories of beings, as described in the scripture.
Loving-kindness in all directions: Extending goodwill throughout the ten directions, including the cardinal directions, intermediate directions, above, and below.
The central aspiration is:
May all beings be free from hostility, free from oppression, free from suffering, and able to care for themselves happily.
The discourse also emphasizes refraining from oppression, killing, causing distress, mistreating others, and inflicting harm. Loving-kindness is therefore not merely a pleasant feeling; it should be expressed through conduct that avoids harming others.
3. Loving-kindness and the cultivation of the mind
The Mettā Kathā connects loving-kindness with several important Buddhist teachings.
The Five Faculties: Faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.
The Five Powers: The same five qualities developed as strengths that help overcome doubt, laziness, heedlessness, restlessness, and ignorance.
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment: Mindfulness, investigation of phenomena, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity.
The Noble Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
These teachings demonstrate that loving-kindness is not separate from daily life. It is developed through sustained practice, mindfulness, wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
4. Applying the teaching in daily life
Loving-kindness can be practiced in families, workplaces, communities, and society by reducing anger, avoiding harsh speech, refusing to exploit others, and responding to suffering with understanding.
Practicing loving-kindness does not mean accepting wrongdoing or allowing others to cause harm. Rather, it means refusing to let hatred control the mind while maintaining appropriate boundaries and addressing problems wisely.
In a world marked by conflict, loving-kindness can support constructive communication, forgiveness when appropriate, compassion toward those who suffer, and cooperation for the common good.
Conclusion: The Mettā Kathā teaches us to transform goodwill into non-harming conduct and to cultivate a stable mind through mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. When practiced consistently, loving-kindness becomes a foundation for inner peace and harmonious coexistence.
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