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Verse 5 = Sn 147

Analysis - VERSE 5

ditthā vā ye vā additthā

Another pair of opposites, ditthā means “seen” and additthā means “unseen” or invisible. Buddhist cosmology accepts that there are many dimensions of existence co-existing in our world system, and many of the beings inhabiting this system are unseen to the average person. The insertion of this phrase expands the scope of the mettā or loving kindness practice to encompass these other realms, thus embracing both human and non-human beings.

ye ca dūre vasanti avidūre

Whether beings are living (vasanti) far away (dūre) or not so far away (avidūre), the intention for their well-being and happiness is to be extended to all. This refers to people who may live on this planet well beyond one’s own local region, but as with the last line this also can extend well into other realms and to other worlds.

bhūtā vā sambhavesī vā

Built around different forms of the verb “to be,” this pair of terms uses a past participle (bhūtā =those who “have been” or who “have already come to be”) and a more dynamic construction (sambhavesī) to suggest those who “are coming to be” or who “will come to be.” Although the word for birth (jāti) is not present, many translators have chosen to use the word because it is understood that birth is the mechanism for beings coming into existence. This phrase has the effect of expanding the scope of the loving kindness practice temporally in addition to the foregoing spatial expansions. The wish for happiness and well-being already encompassing every conceivable creature in existence, it is now extended to include all past and future generations as well.    

sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā

This phrase is a repeat of the last phrase in the third stanza, and concludes this two-stanza invocation of loving kindness to all living beings.