metta: talk and instructions

This talk was given at a 7 day retreat at New Life Foundation in
Chaing RiThailand in the winter of 2016. Kind-Friendliness
(Metta) http://www.newlifethaifoundation.com/


The word metta is derived from the Pali word, mita. Mita,
literally means friend. The most accurate translation of the term
metta would be kind-friendliness. Metta has the mode of
friendliness for its characteristic. Its natural function is to
promote good intention. It is manifested as the disappearance of
ill-will. Its footing is “to see” with kindness. When it
succeeds, it eliminates ill-will. When it fails, it degenerates
into greed, self-centered craving and attachment.


Kind-friendliness is the first foundation of metta practices.
Metta is a beneficial attitude in every situation. It is always
appropriate. It holds ease, peace, and contentment as a baseline
attitude and promotes its increase. It seeks to further
cooperation and understanding even in the presence of difficulty.