Discourse
on the Advantages of Loving-kindness
(Mettanisamsa Sutta) (1)
Thus have
I heard:
On one occasion
the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika's
monastery. Then he addressed the monks saying, 'monks'. 'Venerable
Sir', said the monks, by way of reply. The Blessed One then
spoke as follows:
'Monks,
eleven advantages are to be expected from the release (deliverance)
of heart by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of lovingkindness
(Metta), by the cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly
increasing these thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a
vehicle (of expression), and also as something to be treasured,
by living in conformity with these thoughts, by putting these
ideas into practice, and by establishing them. What are the
eleven?
1. He sleeps
in comfort. 2. He awakes in comfort. 3. He sees no evil dreams.
4. He is dear to human beings. 5. He is dear to non-human beings.
6. Devas (gods) protect him. 7. Fire, poison and sword
cannot touch him. 8. His mind can concentrate quickly. 9. His
countenance is serene. 10. He dies without being confused in
mind. 11. If he fails to attain Arahantship (the highest sanctity
here and now), he will be reborn in the Brahma-world.
'These eleven
advantages, monks, are to be expected from the release of heart
by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of lovingkindness, by
cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly increasing these
thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a vehicle (of expression),
and also as something to be treasured, by living in conformity
with these thoughts, by putting these ideas into practice and
by establishing them.'
So said
the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the words of the Blessed
One.
1. A.,
v. 342.