Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) - Ajahn Brahmavamso

Metta is the Buddhist word for “loving-kindness.” It refers to the emotion of goodwill, that which wishes happiness for another. It embraces forgiveness, because Metta says: “The door to my heart is open to you. No matter who you are or what you have done, come in.” It is that kindness which does not judge and is given freely, expecting nothing in return. The Buddha compared Metta to a mother’s love for her child (Sn, 149). A mother may not always like her child or agree with everything it does, but she will always care for her child, wishing it only happiness. Such openhearted, non-discriminating kindness is Metta.

Why are Christians Turning to Buddhism?

September 7, 2013 Six Examples by Jay McDaniel

A small but growing number Christians in the West are turning to Buddhism for spiritual guidance. Many are reading books about Buddhism, and some are also meditating, participating in Buddhist retreats, and studying under Buddhist teachers. They are drawn to Buddhism’s emphasis on “being present” in the present moment; to its recognition of the interconnectedness of all things; to its emphasis on non-violence; to its appreciation of a world beyond words, and to its provision of practical means — namely meditation — for growing in one’s capacities for wise and compassionate living in daily life. As they learn from Buddhism, they do not abandon Christianity. Their hope is that Buddhism can help them become better Christians. They are Christians influenced by Buddhism.

108 Yaks, A Journey of Love and Freedom

http://dharma-documentaries.net/108-yaks-a-journey-of-love-and-freedo

Posted by Anandajoti on 22 August 2014.

An explanation about the practice of Vipassana Meditation by Sayagyi U Goenka

About Sayagyi U Goenka:
Although Indian by descent, Mr. Goenka was born and raised in Myanmar (Burma). While living there, he had the good fortune to come into contact with Sayagyi U Ba Khin and to learn the technique of Vipassana from him. After receiving training from his teacher for 14 years, Mr. Goenka settled in India and began teaching Vipassana in 1969. In a country still sharply divided by differences of caste and religion, the courses offered by Mr. Goenka soon attracted thousands of people from every part of society. In addition, many people from countries around the world came to join courses in Vipassana meditation.

Kitagiri Sutta (Excerpt, MN 70)

Possibly the sutta most often quoted for the wrong reasons is the Kalama sutta. It is used by Buddhists to justify their individual beliefs or scepticism of some tenets of the Dhamma. They neglect the fact that the Kalama sutta was preached by the Buddha to a group of people who had not taken refuge in the Buddha and were asking for advice on how to select a teacher.

In contrast, for those who have taken refuge, for Buddhists, the Buddha emphasised Saddha ( faith, confidence or conviction). Saddha is the first of the 5 panca-indriyas. It does not mean we accept teachings blindly but seek to understand what is taught. In the closing paragraph of the Kitagiri sutta, the Buddha says.

Peace

Dhammapada Verse 118

Verse 118

Having performed a wholesome act
           it is good to repeat it.
  Enjoy the pleasure of its memory.
The fruit of goodness is contentment.