The Discourse on Loving-kindness (SNP1.8)

He who is skilled in working out his own well being, and who wishes to attain that state of Calm (Nibbana) should act thus: he should be dexterous, upright, exceedingly upright, obedient, gentle, and humble.

Contented, easily supportable, with but few responsibilities, of simple livelihood, controlled in the senses, prudent, courteous, and not hanker after association with families.

Let him not perform the slightest wrong for which wise men may rebuke him. Let him think: ‘May all beings be happy and safe. May they have happy minds.’

Whatever living beings there may be—feeble or strong (or the seekers and the attained) long, stout, or of medium size, short, small, large, those seen or those unseen, those dwelling far or near, those who are born as well as those yet to be born—may all beings have happy minds.

Let him not deceive another nor despise anyone anywhere. In anger or ill will let him not wish another ill.

Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.

Let him radiate boundless love towards the entire world—above, below, and across—unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.

Standing, walking, sitting or reclining, as long as he is awake, let him develop this mindfulness. This, they say, is ‘Noble Living’ here.

Not falling into wrong views—being virtuous, endowed with insight, lust in the senses discarded—verily never again will he return to conceive in a womb.

Translated by Piyadassi Thera.

From The Book of Protection, translated by Piyadassi Thera (Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1999). Copyright © 1999 Buddhist Publication Society.

This text was sourced from Access to Insight. The original contained the following notice.

Terms of use: You may copy, reformat, reprint, republish, and redistribute this work in any medium whatsoever, provided that: (1) you only make such copies, etc. available free of charge and, in the case of reprinting, only in quantities of no more than 50 copies; (2) you clearly indicate that any derivatives of this work (including translations) are derived from this source document; and (3) you include the full text of this license in any copies or derivatives of this work. Otherwise, all rights reserved.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by a volunteer.