Brahmavihara Dhamma

(33) How Metta-jhana is achieved

Even if a feeling of loving-kindness occurs wishing others to gain happiness with his mind evenly balanced after the achievement of simasambheda, a Yogi, while developing metta through meditation, experiences nimittam, the first sign of mental illumination. He or she also realises the upacara-jhana. Then after his realisation of upacara-jhana-samadhi, if he continues practising by developing several times the sensation arising out of nimitta, appana-jhana will soon be achieved. This is according to what has been stated in the Visuddhimagga. This appana-jhana is nothing but the three kinds of jhanas as mentioned earlier.

After attainment of all these jhanas, 528 kinds of metta can be developed continuously in sequence through the mental faculty of metta-jhana.

Presently, before winding up the second part of this teachings we shall develop metta to gain kusala (merits) and paramita (perfection). We will therefore proceed to contemplate on the vanishing of voice-rupa in the course of our recitation with a sincere and hearty feeling towards all beings for their welfare and happiness.

May all Bhikkhus, Yogis and people in this meditation centre be happy. (repeat thrice).

May all Devas in this Meditation centre be happy. (repeat)

May all beings in this Meditation centre be happy. (repeat)

May all Bhikkhus and people in this township be happy. (repeat)

May all Devas in this township be happy. (repeat)

May all beings in this township be happy. (repeat)

May all citizens of the Union of Burma be happy. (repeat)

May all Devas in the Union of Burma be happy. (repeat)

May all beings wherever they are, be happy. (repeat)

And may all those who are respectfully listening to this Dhamma on the Brahmavihara, speedily attain Nibbana.