See also Thematic Commentary
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THREE-PART OUTLINE of Mettā Sutta
The overall organization of the poem can be taken as three-fold, following the basic structure of the Buddha’s teachings:
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verses 1 - 3.5 |
Describe the basic virtues, the ethical qualities to be developed.
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verses 3.5 - 6 |
The lovingkindness thoughts of one practicing the basic virtues (in direct speech).
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verses 7 - 9 |
Describe the qualities of lovingkindess practiced as concentration (samādhi or samatha).
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verse 10 |
Describes the development of insight (vipassanā) which leads out of this world to cessation.
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The second section, on concentration, seems to further break down into two parts. This sense of symmetry and completeness is part of the Metta Suttā’s charm, and contributes greatly to its value as an enduring dharma teaching.
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