What is Metta

💐Que : What is mettā?

Guruji :   Mettā or mettā bhāvana is the technique of generating vibrations of good will and compassion that a Vipassana student is first taught on the 10th day of a 10-day Vipassana course.

Later, at the end of every Vipassana course or one-hour sitting, a meditator is asked to practice mettā, to share the merits gained with all beings.

Mettā vibrations are tangible vibrations, with beneficial power that increases as the purity of the mind strengthens.

Metta Sutta
Benefits of Metta

"If, O Bhikkhus, the liberation of the mind through loving-kindness is practised, developed, made much of, made one's vehicle and foundation, firmly established, consolidated, and thoroughly undertaken, eleven benefits are to be expected.

What eleven?

1.  One sleeps in comfort;
2.  One wakes in comfort;
3.  One has no bad dreams;
4.  One is dear to human beings;
5.  One is dear to non-human beings;
6.  One is protected by deities;
7.  One is not harmed by fire, poison and weapon;
8.  One can concentrate easily;
9.  One's facial complexion is calm and serene;
10. One dies unconfused;
11. If one does not attain anything higher, one will be reborn in the Brahma world after       death."

~ Anguttara Nikaya
   Book of the Elevens

Q&A

⚫Is the generation of metta a natural consequence of the purity of the mind, or is it
something that must be actively developed? Are there progressive stages in metta?

🔵Both are true. According to the law of nature – the law of Dhamma – as the mind is purified, the quality of metta develops naturally. On the other
hand, you must work to develop it by practicing Metta Bhavana. It is only at a very high stage of
mental purity that metta is generated naturally, and
nothing has to be done, no training has to be given. Until one reaches that stage, one has to practice. Also, people who don't practice Vipassana can
practice Metta Bhavana. In such countries as Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Metta Bhavana is
very common in every household. However, the
practice is usually confined to mentally reciting
"May all beings be happy, be peaceful". This certainly gives some peace of mind to the person who is practicing it. To some extent good vibrations enter the atmosphere, but they are not strong.

However, when you practice Vipassana, purification starts. With this base of purity, your practice of Metta naturally becomes stronger. Then you won't need to repeat these good wishes aloud. A stage will come when every fiber of the body keeps on feeling compassion for others, generating goodwill
for others.