The karaniya meththa sutraya, a timely doctrine for today
Poson poya is the second most important day for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Buddhism is a philosophy rather than a religion. There are many things in Buddhist philosophy which are useful to all humans. One good example is mindfulness, that originated from the first discourse of Lord Buddha.
The ‘karaniya meththa sutraya’, preached by Lord Buddha to a group who were practising meditation is heard by most of us every day. However, the meaning of the sutra is probably not known by those who hear it routinely. It is a universal doctrine for peace and harmony for everybody.
This sutra has two parts; the first part describes personal development and the second about true loving kindness.
In the first part it advises how to be competent and honest, straightforward, calm - pleasant, assertive, contented, not over busy, simple, tranquil, prudent, without over attachment to dwelling and not resorting to do anything that intelligent people would reproach.
The second part starts with, “May all beings be happy, enjoy comfort, be safe and secure’’
Then it describes all types of living beings in the universe.
“What so ever living beings, feeble or strong, long, short or medium, very small or large, visible or not visible, far or near or spirit or being awaiting a birth in a womb or egg,
“May all enjoy comfort, be safe, secure and happy!”
No one ever should deceive others, nor look disparagingly at another anywhere, avoiding anger or hostility, not wishing unhappiness on another.
It states the quantity of loving kindness one can give should equal that of a mother to her own only son, unbounded and immeasurable, advising to care for all with kindness, as a mother would her only son.
Loving kindness unbounded should rise to the whole universe, above, below and across, without a boundary. It further advises to mindfully be kind at each moment, standing, walking, sitting, reclining or any other.
The karaniya meththa sutra is a timely doctrine needed by everyone irrespective of any differences.