Maitri, or Metta (मैत्री) means loving-kindness, and benevolence, good will, kindness, amity, or friendliness. It’s considered a base quality for walking the path of Buddha. It is essential to cultivate and strengthen maitri to counter Samsaric tendencies.
I had a hard time with metta at first. Some people don’t like it because they dislike themselves, but that wasn’t my problem. I just found it be too touchy-feely. I preferred the hard-hitting dharma of emptiness and not-self. I found karuna / compassion to be more essential.
I’ve since found a different relationship to maitri. Trungpa called it self-compassion. I find the best approach for maitri if you’re like me (cerebral, intellectually driven, overly ambitious) is simply disengaging with those neuroses. In a sense, just letting myself breathe and relax. It sounds corny, but it feels good. It feels healthy to me.
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Summary: Maitri
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Maitri (Sanskrit) | A core Buddhist term signifying loving-kindness or benevolent friendliness towards all beings. |
| Related Concepts | Ideas associated with Maitri: |
| * Metta (Pali)** | The Pali term equivalent to Maitri. |
| * Loving-Kindness | The most common English translation of Maitri, emphasizing kindness and well-wishing. |
| * Compassion (Karuna)** | A broader concept encompassing sympathy and a desire to alleviate suffering, which includes but is not limited to loving-kindness. |
| Position in Buddhism | Significance of Maitri in Buddhist teachings: |
| * Brahmavihara (Sanskrit) | One of the four sublime states cultivated in Buddhism, along with loving-kindness (metta itself!), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). |
| * Path to Liberation | Cultivating loving-kindness is essential for developing bodhicitta (the awakened mind) and pursuing the Mahayana path of enlightenment to benefit all beings. |
| Practices to Cultivate Maitri | Techniques to develop Maitri: |
| * Metta Bhavana Meditation (Loving-Kindness Meditation) | A meditation practice focusing on sending well wishes and kindness to oneself, loved ones, neutrals, and even difficult people. |
| * Daily Actions | Integrating kindness into daily life through acts of generosity and helping others in need. |
| Benefits of Maitri | Positive outcomes of cultivating Maitri: |
| * Reduced Suffering | Cultivating loving-kindness reduces suffering for oneself and others by fostering a more positive and compassionate outlook. |
| * Increased Empathy and Connection | Maitri fosters deeper understanding and connection with others, strengthening relationships. |
| * Greater Sense of Peace | Loving-kindness can lead to inner peace and a more positive outlook on life. |
| Maitri vs. Attachment | Distinguishing Maitri from attachment: |
| * Maitri | Unconditional well-wishing without clinging or possessiveness. |
| * Attachment | Undue desire or dependence on a person, object, or outcome. |
Related Terms
Maitri Related Terms
Metta (Loving-Kindness) in Buddhism
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Metta (Pali) | Loving-kindness, benevolence, or friendliness towards all beings. |
| Maitri (Sanskrit) | The Sanskrit equivalent of Metta. |
| Metta Meaning | The intentional cultivation of unconditional kindness and well-being for oneself and all living things. |
| Define Metta | To actively develop a state of mind focused on loving-kindness and compassion. |
| Metta Bhavana | Loving-kindness meditation, a practice of sending well wishes and kindness to oneself, loved ones, neutrals, and even difficult people. |
| Maitri Buddhism | The concept of loving-kindness as a core principle in Buddhist teachings. |
| Sanskrit Maitri | The Sanskrit word for Maitri is मैत्री (maitri). |
| Metta in Sanskrit | Not a common phrase, but “Maitri” is used in Sanskrit for loving-kindness. |
| Mett (abbreviation) | Informal abbreviation for Metta. |
| Metta Loving-Kindness | Redundant phrase, as Metta itself translates to loving-kindness. |
| Metta Kindness | Similar to Metta Loving-Kindness, emphasizes the kind and well-wishing nature of Metta. |
| Metta Pali | The Pali language term for loving-kindness. |
| Metta Meditation | Practicing Metta Bhavana, the meditation focused on cultivating loving-kindness. |
| Metta in Pali | The Pali language term for loving-kindness. |
| Metta Symbol | No single symbol, but imagery like blooming flowers or open hands can represent loving-kindness. |
| Loving-Kindness Buddhism | A way of practicing Buddhism that emphasizes cultivating Metta. |
| Loving Kindness Metta | Redundant phrase, as Metta itself translates to loving-kindness. |
| Loving Kindness Buddha | Refers to the Buddha’s teachings on Metta and its importance. |
| What is Metta | A core Buddhist concept of cultivating unconditional loving-kindness. |
| Metta Meaning Buddhism | Loving-kindness as a central principle in Buddhist teachings. |
| Loving Kindness Buddhism | A way of practicing Buddhism that emphasizes cultivating Metta. |
| Sanskrit for Compassion | Karuna is the Sanskrit word for compassion, a broader concept that includes Metta (loving-kindness) but also encompasses aspects of sympathy and alleviating suffering. |
| Metta Buddhism | The concept of loving-kindness as a core principle in Buddhist teachings. |
| Buddha Loving-Kindness | Refers to the Buddha’s teachings on Metta and its importance. |
| Loving-Kindness in Buddhism | The practice of cultivating Metta (loving-kindness) within Buddhist teachings. |
| Kindness in Buddhism | Metta (loving-kindness) is a core form of kindness emphasized in Buddhism. |
| Compassion in Sanskrit | Karuna is the Sanskrit word for compassion. |
| Buddhism Kindness | Kindness, particularly Metta (loving-kindness), is a central value in Buddhism. |
| Metta Meaning in Buddhism | The intentional cultivation of unconditional kindness and well-being for oneself and all living things, a core principle in Buddhism. |
| Buddhist Metta Meditation | The practice of Metta Bhavana, a form of meditation focused on cultivating loving-kindness within Buddhist traditions. |
Cultivating Kindness: Maitri / Metta (Loving-Kindness) in Buddhism
Metta, also known as maitri (Sanskrit), is a powerful concept in Buddhism, often translated as “loving-kindness” or “benevolent friendliness.” It goes beyond simple kindness; it’s an intentional cultivation of goodwill and active interest in the well-being of all beings, oneself included.
What is Metta (Loving-Kindness)?
Metta (Pali) or maitri (Sanskrit) literally translates to “friendliness.” In Buddhism, it signifies a deliberate practice of developing unconditional kindness and compassion towards all living beings. It’s not based on emotions or attachments, but rather a conscious choice to cultivate a benevolent and caring state of mind.
The Importance of Metta in Buddhism
Metta is considered a core Brahmavihara (sublime state) in Buddhist teachings, alongside loving-kindness (metta itself!), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). Cultivating these positive emotions is believed to contribute to inner peace, reduce suffering, and foster a more harmonious existence.
Practicing Metta: The Power of Meditation
A key way to cultivate metta is through meditation, specifically Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness meditation). This practice involves focusing on sending well wishes and radiating loving-kindness towards oneself, loved ones, neutrals, and even those we find challenging.
The Benefits of Metta Meditation
Studies suggest that Metta meditation can offer a range of benefits, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased compassion and empathy
- Improved relationships
- Greater self-acceptance
- Enhanced emotional well-being
Metta: A Symbol of Loving-Kindness Buddhism
While there’s no single symbol specifically for Metta, the overall teachings of loving-kindness Buddhism often use imagery that evokes warmth, kindness, and connection. This could include a blooming flower representing the growth of compassion, or an open hand symbolizing offering support and well-being.
The Buddha and Loving-Kindness
The Buddha himself emphasized the importance of Metta. He taught that cultivating loving-kindness not only benefits others but also fosters inner peace and happiness within ourselves.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
