Significance of Loving Kindness
Loving Kindness in Buddhism embodies an attitude of goodwill, compassion, and benevolence towards all living beings. It encompasses an active wish for the happiness and welfare of others, expressed through acts of merit, meditation, and moral behavior. This quality, also referred to as Metta, combats negative emotions and fosters a sense of interconnectedness. Integral to the teachings of the Buddha and the practice of bodhicitta, loving kindness remains a core virtue that guides individuals toward universal compassion and harmonious relationships with others.
Synonyms: Compassion, Affection, Warmth, Tenderness, Benevolence, Goodwill, Empathy, Regard, Charity, Concern., Kindness
In Dutch: Liefdevolle vriendelijkheid; In Finnish: Rakastava Ystävällisyys; In Spanish: Bondad amorosa; In German: Liebende Güte; In Malay: Kasih Sayang; In Swedish: Kärleksfull vänlighet; In French: Bonté; In Portugese: Bondade amorosa; In Italian: Gentilezza amorevole; In Polish: Kochająca dobroć
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Loving Kindness'
Loving Kindness in Buddhism embodies unconditional love and compassion for all beings, emphasizing a sincere wish for their welfare. It is cultivated through meditation and is fundamental to moral actions, promoting goodwill and harmony in practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The king practiced the absorption of loving-kindness, also known as maitrisamadhi, after ascending to the floor of gold and sitting on the silver bed.[1] (2) Loving-kindness (maitri) is one of the four limitless minds that constitute the brahmaviharas, and cultivating this quality is essential for positive emotional development.[2] (3) This and a compassionate mind are not known by someone who does not conform to morality.[3] (4) The Buddha possesses great loving-kindness, leading to the role as the savior of the world and guiding beings towards liberation.[4] (5) It is a boundless wish for the happiness and well-being of all beings, forming a fundamental aspect of the bodhisattva's motivation.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) That on loving-kindness will act as medicine against ill-will.[6] (2) This is a virtue that the Bodhisattva has been full of for innumerable long kalpas past.[7] (3) The compassion and care extended by the Bodhisattva, which transcends conventional forms of kindness.[8] (4) An immeasurable quality of compassion that seeks the happiness and wellbeing of all beings, considered a core virtue in Buddhism.[9] (5) An essential virtue that Bodhisattvas cultivate to benefit all beings, treating them as one would their only son.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Khenpo Kunpal beseeches Buddha Shakyamuni to protect him with loving kindness, or brtse bas skyongs, so that the Buddha will always look after him through his enlightened body, speech, and mind.[11] (2) Practicing loving kindness and compassion can lead to the birth of bodhicitta, loving kindness being like the parents of bodhicitta.[12] (3) This is the meaning derived from the name Maitreya, representing his unwavering affection and compassion.[13] (4) An attitude of care and affection for others, which is related but insufficient on its own to constitute bodhicitta.[14] (5) A state of mind that wishes for the happiness of all beings, also referred to as 'maitri' in Sanskrit.[15]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) It is what Venerable Subhuti meditated on before receiving alms-food, leading to special benefits for the donors and earning him the etadagga of dakkhineyya, or being worthy of excellent gifts.[16] (2) Loving kindness, also known as Metta, is one of the four sublime abodes that the bhikkhus cultivated.[17] (3) The Bodhisatta suffuses all beings with loving-kindness and compassion without discrimination, wishing to take on their suffering.[18] (4) This is also known as metta jhana, prior to the attainment of this jhana there was preparatory development.[19] (5) This describes the practice of metta, or loving-kindness, demonstrated by the Venerables in their physical, verbal, and mental actions towards each other, both in their presence and absence, fostering unity.[20]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Loving-kindness is a meditation practice that, when developed and practiced even briefly, aligns an individual with the advice and instructions of the Buddha, thereby making them worthy of receiving alms.[21] (2) A quality that can be developed by individuals from any class, including those outside the brahmin caste, as discussed in the Esukari Sutta.[22] (3) A quality that should be developed towards all sentient beings, recognizing their interconnectedness in past lives.[23] (4) A positive mental state that counteracts ill will and hatred, as advocated in the Buddha's teachings.[24] (5) One of the virtues accomplished by the Bodhisatta, depicted in two stories that emphasize compassion.[25]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A virtue that emphasizes the positive nature of self-sacrifice and devoted service.[26] (2) This refers to the practice of cultivating compassion and goodwill towards all beings, which is considered a meritorious act in Buddhist teachings.[27] (3) Loving-kindness is a feeling of goodwill or benevolence, which is opposed to hatred, ill-will, or aversion, which is essential.[28] (4) The practice of wishing happiness and well-being to all beings, including humans and animals, without expecting anything in return, synonymous with maitri.[29] (5) The antidote to enmity, as taught by the Buddha, which fosters compassion and reconciliation rather than revenge.[30]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) One of the four moral virtues (Brahmaviharas), representing the quality of unconditional love and care for all beings.[31] (2) The direct opposite of ill will, indicative of abyapada vitakka.[32] (3) Mettá (loving-kindness) is radiated primarily towards friends, relatives, and kith and kin.[33] (4) Adosa is synonymous with metta, which is characterized as loving-kindness, a valued trait throughout the world.[34] (5) A virtue that is rare in contemporary society, essential for compassion and sympathetic joy.[35]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) It is a state that Samavati with her retinue used to pervade the king, causing him to be unable to shoot an arrow or to put it away.[36] (2) A positive mental state that promotes feelings of love and goodwill towards oneself and others, emphasized as the first meditation subject for beginners.[37] (3) A meditation subject promoting goodwill and compassion towards others, essential for fostering positive interactions and minimizing conflict.[38] (4) A state characterized by a positive orientation towards the well-being of others, aiming to promote welfare and mitigate ill will.[39] (5) A compassionate and caring attitude toward others that complements and reinforces a practice of generosity.[40]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Metta, a form of non-aversion directed towards living beings, characterized by promoting welfare and removing annoyance.[41] (2) Loving kindness is a form of non-aversion that inherently includes non-attachment, leading to genuine concern for others.[42] (3) Loving kindness, metta, is the cetasika which is non-aversion and arises with every sobhana citta.[43] (4) A cetasika arising with every sobhana citta characterized by non-aversion, directed towards beings with the aim of promoting their welfare.[44] (5) An attitude of goodwill and compassion towards others that opposes conceit.[45]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A mental state that should be practiced for the attainment of certain advantages.[46] (2) A mental state characterized by compassion and goodwill towards others, especially in context of communication and reproving.[47] (3) An attitude of compassion and goodwill that should govern one's speech and interactions.[48]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) One of the 4 Brahma-viharas, representing an attitude of unconditional love towards all beings.[49] (2) A concept that means 'love without lust' or friendliness or spiritual love, opposing hatred, ill-will, or anger.[50] (3) Cultivating a spirit of loving-kindness involves offering goodwill to all beings and can transform relationships.[51]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Adosa is synonymous with metta, which is also known as loving-kindness; it is one of the four sublime abodes.[52] (2) A form of benevolence that aims for the happiness and well-being of all beings, opposing feelings of hatred and aversion.[53] (3) One of the Illimitables in meditation, which when practiced can develop into four different states of jhana.[54]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A significant principle of practice acknowledged among monks, reflecting compassion and benevolence toward others.[55]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The quality of compassion and benevolence that the Bodhisatta urged Prince Wicked to embrace.[56]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A perfection that involves being of one mind to those who are beneficial and not beneficial to you.[57] (2) The glorious Buddha, with his ability to know the mind and behavior of people, permeated the group of five bhikkhus with thoughts of loving kindness.[58] (3) The Bodhisat practiced loving kindness without regard for his own life, as shown in the life-story of Suvannasama.[59] (4) This phrase refers to the three types of loving kindness, the devotee expressed bodily, verbal, and mental loving kindness, through his acts of merit.[60] (5) An essential quality encouraged to be developed by the beings informed about the tidings of the world's end, representing compassion and care for others.[61]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The loving-kindness of spiritual friends is immeasurable like a river, and never disturbed by agitation, they are like a snow mountain, never moved from suchness, and like Mount Meru.[62] (2) A fundamental aspect of the four immeasurables that embodies unconditional love and goodwill towards all beings.[63] (3) The intention and practice of caring for others' welfare, vital in the practice of bodhicitta.[64]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A quality of compassion and goodwill developed to combat anger and negative emotions towards oneself and others.[65] (2) Metta, an approach in meditation that involves spreading goodwill and kindness to all living beings for protection.[66]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is one of the Four Immeasurable States of Mind.[67]
Hindu concept of 'Loving Kindness'
In Hinduism, Loving Kindness encompasses the dispelling of mental gloom through affection, essential camaraderie among soldiers, Vritra's benevolence, and the parental care a husband should show towards his wife, highlighting compassion and support in relationships.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A parental affection that a husband should exhibit towards his wife.[68] (2) The benevolent compassion shown by Vritra, the Daitya, who cast a beneficent glance across the Three Worlds.[69]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) She is the dispeller of the gloom of his mind, by reason of her loving kindness to him.[70]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The caring and affectionate behavior among soldiers, regarded as an essential quality for future military success.[71]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A practice that enhances fellow feelings and acceptability by focusing on things without attachment and judgment.[72]
The concept of Loving Kindness in local and regional sources
Loving Kindness, as depicted in the text, emphasizes compassion toward all beings, aligns with Shri Chaitanya's ideals, serves as a crucial Hindu virtue, and fosters empathy as a solution to conflict.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An essential virtue in Hindu ethics, emphasizing compassion and care for all living entities.[73] (2) An approach of compassion and empathy, regarded as the most effective means for overcoming enmity and conflict.[74]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Loving kindness is a quality found in great souls, and Swamiji mentions that he gained strength from coming into contact with them.[75] (2) Loving kindness to all beings is one of the aspects of Shri Chaitanya that should be gathered, along with his heart and burning passion for God, to make his renunciation the ideal of your life.[76]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) It is also known as metta and is contained in the Metta Sutta. This is one aspect that makes pirit effective.[77]
The concept of Loving Kindness in scientific sources
Loving Kindness, as per regional sources, embodies compassion towards oneself and others. It necessitates cultivating an internal attitude of empathy and demands proficiency in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practices.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It involves internalizing an embodied attitude of compassion toward the self and others and requires a level of acquired skill in CAM practice.[78]
Classical concept of 'Loving Kindness'
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) An action shown by a mother to a rising entity every day.[79]