Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Quantum Ethics II. (The Metta Sutra) From The Buddha.

The Metta Sutra (passage taken from the Pali text, of The Buddha)

"This is the work for those who are skilled and peaceful, who seek the good:

May they be able and upright, straightforward, of gentle speech and not proud.
May they be content and easily supported, unburdened with their senses calmed.
May they be wise, not arrogant and without desire for the possessions of others.
May they do nothing mean or that the wise would reprove.
May all beings be happy.
May they live in safety and joy.
All living beings, whether weak or strong, tall, stout, medium or short, seen or unseen,
near or distant, born or to be born, may they all be happy.
Let no one deceive another or despise any being in any state,
let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another.
As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child,
so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,
suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving-kindness.

Standing or walking, sitting or lying down, during all one's waking hours,
may one remain mindful of this heart and this way of living that is the best in the world.
Unattached to speculations, views and sense desires, with clear vision,
such a person will never be reborn in the cycles of suffering."

I belong to a local meditation group, at the close of every session the following passage is read:


"May the merit of our practice be shared with all beings, in all worlds, in all directions,
May all beings be at peace,
May all beings be free from suffering,
May all beings be free from harm,
May all beings be free from fear,
May all beings be happy,
And may all beings awaken."


(This a great little prayer or mantra, taken largely from the Metta Sutra above.)

If you will notice that the second passage in blue makes no specific designations as to who the prayer is directed to, or from. This is done to bring one a sense of unity with all beings that exist, will exist or have existed in the past, it is all-inclusive, excluding none. There is a great amount of wisdom to be gained from this perspective, and if applied, it slowly but steadily begins to change one's behavior toward both oneself and all others. If one is to evolve into the kind of being by which that greatest possible perspective and life is gained, a new and radical form of ethics must be practiced, if not perfected.

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