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.
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
