Mettā (मेटा in Devanagari) is a Pali word meaning unconditional loving-kindness. The Sanskrit is maitrī. It is one of the ten pāramitās. The mettā bhāvanā (cultivation of mettā) is a popular form of meditation in Buddhism.
The object of mettā meditation is to cultivate goodwill and compassion towards all sentient beings. The practice usually begins with the meditator cultivating compassion and love towards themselves, their loved ones, friends, teachers, strangers and enemies. It is a good way to calm down a distraught mind because it is an antidote to anger. Someone who has cultivated mettā will not be easily angered and can quickly subdue anger that arises. They will be more caring, more loving, and more likely to love unconditionally.
Buddhists believe that people who have a lot of mettā will be happier because they see no need to harbour ill will or hostility. At the same time, people around a mettāful person will feel comfortable and happier too. Radiating mettā contributes to a world of love, peace and happiness.
The word metta is from Pali, the language of the earliest Buddhist texts.
Metta is universal, finding expression in all religions and societies.
It is the mission of the Metta Foundation to foster the convergence of wisdom born of traditional meditative stillness and compassion born of human encounter.
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