In our daily lives we meet all kinds of people. Some are pleasant and some are ill-disposed. There are also moments of anxiety, moments of stress, and circumstances which are perplexing. On encountering unpleasant people, and in difficult times, a recital or perusal of the Sutta will produce beneficial results. The practice of what is contained in it will induce a tranquil state of mind, give us self-confidence, and help us to overcome difficulties.

This is a Sutta (a Discourse) that was delivered by the Buddha to a set of his disciples who had gone to meditate in a forest close to the Himalayan mountain range. They complained that they were being disturbed by some spirits of the forest. The Buddha exhorted them to follow this course of conduct. They went back to the same abode, and putting the advice into practice, found that they were not disturbed anymore.

Homage to Him, the Worthy One, the Exalted One, the Fully Enlightened One.

I go to the Buddha as my refuge
I go to the Dhamma as my refuge
I go to the Sangha as my refuge

The Five Precepts

1. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from destroying the life of living beings.
2. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking things not given to me.
3. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from false speech.
5. I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from taking intoxicants – foundations of slothfulness.

Karaniya Metta Sutta
Universal Loving Kindness

This must be done to gain the State of Peace.
One must be able, upright and straightforward;
Pleasant in Speech, mild and not proud.

Easily contented and easily supportable;
Not caught up in too many “duties” and frugal in one’s wants.
Calm in mind, discriminative and courteous;
Not closely attached to households.

Avoiding any mean deeds blameworthy by the wise.
Thinking always thus: “May all beings be happy and safe,
May they all have tranquil minds.

Whatsoever pulsates with the breath of life –
the frail or strong, without exception –
the long, the large, the medium-sized, the short, the thin or fat.

Those visible, and those invisible, those living far away or nearby;
Beings who are already born and those yet unborn.
May they all be happy!

May no-one deceive another, nor despise him in anyway anywhere.
Let no-one wish another ill, owing to anger or provocation.

Just as a mother would protect her son – her only son – with her life –
even so let him cultivate this boundless love to all living beings.

Radiating with a full heart loving thoughts of kindness towards all the world,
free from anger, malice or anxiety – above, below and in all directions.

And while standing, walking, sitting or reclining – still free from drowsiness –
let him maintain this state of mindfulness – termed the “Highest Living”

And living free from mere views, being virtuous, perfect in insight,
free from the lust of sexual desire,
never again shall he be entangled in the round of rebirth.

Hate is never overcome by hate
By love alone it is quelled.
This is a truth of ancient date.
Today still unexcelled.

Avoidance of evil,
Performance of good deeds,
Purification of one’s thoughts.
This is the teaching of the Buddhas.

May all beings be happy hearted!