Metta Sutta | Sn I-8
8. Metta Sutta
Discourse on the loving-kindness
142. One who wishes to attain insight-knowledge of the peace and tranquillity of Nibbāna and who is thus wise in his own welfare, should practise the following mode of noble conduct:
He should be capable of such good practice.
He should be upright in his conduct and speech
guided by a keen sense of righteousness.
He should be gentle in nature.
He should not be conceited, (1)
143. Contented and frugal,
he should keep himself to as few tasks as Possible.
He should lead a simple life.
His 6 senses always under control,
he should be deep in learning and prudent.
He should conduct himself without any trace of impudence.
He should remain detached from the laity. (2)
145. He should refrain from doing the slight evil
that could possibly invite censure or disapproval by the wise persons.
(Having thus set up one's own self-discipline)
he should dwell in these thoughts:
“May all sentient beings be well!
May they be free from danger!
May they be happy!” (3)
146. May all beings with no exception
—whether mentally frail or firm,
whether they be long or big, or medium-sized,
or short, or tiny (such as insects), or plump; (4)
147. Whether seen or unseen, whether living far or near
Whether of final existence or seeking future existence
may all those being well and happy. (5)
148. Let no one cheat another;
nor slight him anywhere;
let them never wish each other ill,
through provocation or resentment. (6)
149. Just as a mother would with her life protect her only son,
So also let him cultivate a boundless spirit of universal well-being. (7)
150. Thus let him maintain a mind full of good-will
towards all beings in all the worlds,
that is, the worlds above, below, and all round in, between.
Let the kindly spirit spread to every one unhindered,
without the slightest discrimination,
so that no malice remains in one's own heart or any amenity liners. (8)
151 Whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down,
Inasmuch as he is free from drowsiness,
he should keep up this mindfulness.
This attitude of mindfulness
is called the Noble Abiding by the Buddhas. (9)
152. When a yogi by this mode of meditation has gained concentration,
he may so train his mind on the falsity of self as to be free from the delusion of self and being virtuous as the Stream-Winner (Sotāpanna),
he may by Vipassanā insight, abandoning all sensual desires attain further knowledge at which state he surely will never take rebirth in a mother's womb.
(Thus said the Buddha) (10)
End of the eighth Metta Sutta.