Loving-kindness

1.1Those who are skilled in the meaning of scripture

1.2should practice as follows <j>to realize the state of peace.

1.3Let them be capable and upright, very upright,

1.4easy to speak to, gentle and humble;

2.1content and unburdensome,

2.2unbusied, living lightly,

2.3alert, with senses calmed,

2.4courteous, not fawning on families.

3.1Let them not do the slightest thing

3.2that others who are wise would blame.

3.3May they be happy and safe!

3.4May all beings be happy!

4.1Whatever living creatures there are

4.2with not a one left out—

4.3frail or firm, long or large,

4.4medium, small, tiny or round,

5.1seen or unseen,

5.2living far or near,

5.3those who have been born <j>and those about to be born—

5.4may all beings be happy!

6.1Let none deceive another,

6.2nor look down on anyone anywhere.

6.3Though provoked or aggrieved,

6.4let them not wish pain on each other.

7.1Even as a mother would protect with her life

7.2her child, her only child,

7.3so too for all creatures

7.4unfold a boundless heart.

8.1With love for the whole world,

8.2unfold a boundless heart:

8.3above, below, all round,

8.4unconstricted, without enmity or foe.

9.1When standing, walking, sitting,

9.2or lying down while yet unweary,

9.3keep this ever in mind;

9.4for this, they say, is a divine meditation <j>in this life.

10.1Avoiding harmful views,

10.2virtuous, accomplished in insight,

10.3with desire for sensual pleasures dispelled,

10.4they never return to a womb again.