Downloadable pdf of Metta Sutta
Three-Part Outline
Occasion for Recitation
Other translations, by verse
Verse 1
Verse 2
Verse 3
Verse 4
Verse 5
Verse 6
Verse 7
Verse 8
Verse 9
Verse 10
Commentaries by A. Olendzki
Thematic analysis
Verse 1 analysis
Verse 2 analysis
Verse 3 analysis
Verse 4 analysis
Verse 5 analysis
Verse 6 analysis
Verse 7 analysis
Verse 8 analysis
Verse 9 analysis
Verse 10 analysis
Reflections for daily practice
(This list will be expanded each month in 2010.)
Verse 1 reflections for practice
Verse 2 reflections for practice
Verse 3 reflections for practice
Downloadable pdf of word list/grammar
Pali with accents for chanting
Sources
Related suttas
Downloadable (pdf) of all Mettā Sutta materials
NOTE: Large (575 KB) file. (Smaller pdfs are found on most pages in the Reading Room section.)
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SUTTA STUDIES - Mettā Sutta
The Mettā Sutta is one of the best-loved poems of the Buddhist tradition, a jewel sparkling softly but compellingly through the centuries. Its message and appeal are truly timeless. The Mettā Sutta speaks of universal good will toward all creatures, giving shape to one of the most beautiful and fundamentally wholesome states of mind of which the human being is capable.
It is located in the Sutta Nipāta, a verse collection that includes both some of the oldest and some of the most popular poetry. There it runs for ten stanzas, from verse 143 to verse 152. It is also included in the anthology of core popular teachings called the Khuddakapātha. Both these texts are in the fifth and miscellaneous section of the Sutta collection of the Tipitaka, the Khuddaka Nikāya.
If you have already looked at the materials on this site, the newest addition (for the February 2010 full moon) is Verse 3 reflections for practice.
You are welcome, of course, to check out any of the links on this page to get a feel for what's available. If you would like to participate in the study of this sutta over time, here's one way to do it:
- Read the Integrated Study and Practice Group page for more on the year-long program using these materials.
- Read the main translation, below.
- Read the Verse 1 translations
- Read the Verse 1 analysis , & finally,
- Read the Verse 1 reflections for practice, (newly expanded this month)
You could also, if time is pressing, just read Verse 1, below, and the reflections for practice. To explore the sutta as a whole from the main translation below, you may:
- Click the green arrow next to a verse for various translations of that verse.
- Click the orange arrow to see Andew Olendzki's analysis for that verse.
- Click the dark red arrow, added each month, for reflections for practice
Discourse on Lovingkindness
(A. Olendzki translation)
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Verse 1
= Sn 143
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This is what’s done by one skilled in what’s good,
Who reaches toward that most peaceful state:
One would be capable, and straight—quite straight;
Well-spoken, gentle, without too much pride. |
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Verse 2
= Sn 144 |
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Content with little, easily maintained,
Not doing too much and lightly engaged;
Thoughtful, with a peaceful demeanor, and
Modest, without greed among worldly things.
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Verse 3
= Sn 145 |
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One would not do even the slightest thing
That others who are wise would speak against.
May they be secure and profoundly well;
—May all beings be happy in themselves. |
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Verse 4
= Sn 146 |
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Whatsoever living beings exist,
Without exception, whether weak or strong,
Whether tall and large, middle-sized, or short,
Whether very subtle or very gross, |
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Verse 5
= Sn 147 |
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Whether visible or invisible,
Dwelling far away or not far away,
Whether born already or not yet born
—May all beings be happy in themselves. |
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Verse 6
= Sn 148 |
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Let no one work to undo another.
Let no one think badly of anyone.
Either with anger or with violent thoughts,
One would not wish suffering on others, |
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Verse 7
= Sn 149 |
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Just as a mother would watch over her
Son—her one and only son—with her life,
In just the same way develop a mind
Unbounded toward all living creatures. |
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Verse 8
= Sn 150 |
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Develop a mind of loving kindness
Unbounded toward the entire world:
Above and below and all the way ‘round,
With no holding back, no loathing, no foe. |
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Verse 9
= Sn 151 |
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Standing, walking, sitting or lying down,
As long as one is devoid of torpor,
One would resolve upon this mindfulness
—This is known as sublime abiding here. |
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Verse 10
= Sn 152 |
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Without falling into mistaken views,
Endowed with insight and integrity,
Guiding away greed for sensual things,
One would not be born again in a womb. |
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