Donald explores some of the main themes of his March retreat, connecting these themes to general aspects of our practice. He shares some images of the Spirit Rock land, a group of turkeys, his place of practice and altar in his room, and the bench where he twice a day carried out a kind of ritual "talking to" his parents, who are deceased. He focuses on themes of listening for what calls one in one's practice and his main practices during the retreat: concentration practice, metta practice, the Tibetan practice of tummo (the inner fire) and the life of Milarepa, and awakened awareness. He concludes by speaking of some ways of keeping the retreat going in daily life, and, in preparation for the appearance of the Garbanzo Bean, Donald's clown personality, some on humor and spiritual practice. There is then discussion, including an appearance by Guru Garbanzo Bean responding to some questions, and closing in which we remember and honor Cyndy Gagne, a sangha member who recently passed.

Describing the Relationship Between Metta, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, and Equanimity.

Deep Welcome, Reflections on Retreat and Metta Practice

How does loving-kindness infuse every dimension of the path? Drawing from a sweat-drenched pilgrimage around Shikoku's 88 temples, Devon explores metta not as a single technique but as a way of life woven through the Eightfold Path — from wise intention and ethical attunement, through generosity and letting go, to the boundless radiance of the brahmaviharas. Along the way, we discover how metta practice can open into concentration, healing, and even emptiness itself, and how the original instructions invite us simply to fill our bodies and the whole world with a field of care.

Die Metta Sutta aus der Sutta Nipata wird gelesen und besprochen. Die Entwicklung von Liebender Güte führt danach zum höchsten Ziel, der Überwindung des Ich-Glaubens.

Includes metta for self, metta for sangha, and metta for the 6 directions

Mettā is also a verb which means that one must manifest and embody kindness and friendliness in all of one’s bodily and verbal actions.

The cultivation of metta for a dear person seems easy. However, one must watch out for the ‘hidden’ defilements of either attachment & lust or worry & grief. Hand out as many Metta Candies as possible.

The benefits of pure metta are manifold. Even a short moment of metta is more powerful than a big offering of food. Do not dismiss small acts of kindness.

Practicing the 4 protective meditation namely- Reflection on the qualities of the Buddha or Dhamma or Sangha; Reflection on metta, reflection of body parts (visible ones); reflection on death causes and protect us from: Doubt, Attachment, Aversion, Laziness, respectively.

Metta is the quality of the heart/mind that wishes for the welfare, happiness and benefit of all sentient beings. Daily practice of Metta can reduce anger, aversion and lead to joy, happiness and concentration. All of which is very critical to the path of liberation.

When you share your metta and compassion, you become a beautiful piece of art yourself. The eleven benefits of metta meditation

Manifest your metta in actions of body and speech. The six heart-warming qualities that are conducive for harmoniously living together

We must differentiate between the person and their deed to overcome feelings of enmity. When we are able to do so, then forgiveness is also included in our metta

Exploring the connection between mettā and rest

When metta is present, the mind is temporarily liberated from all forms of craving and attachment as well as aversion and ill will

Kind and friendly people can be found everywhere. We become more sensitive to the kindness in ourselves and others.

With metta and the other Brahmaviharas we dwell or abide in these beneficial states of mind