Chereads / East Meets West, A Buddhist Love Journey / Chapter 7 - Loving-kindness Meditation

Chapter 7 - Loving-kindness Meditation

Feb. 28, 2023 Tuesday

When we practice meditation, we will not only benefit ourselves, but also bring happiness to others. The more serene and peaceful we become (within ourselves), the more able we are to give to others. How can we give peace to others if we don't have peace from the bottom of our hearts? So when it comes to practicing compassion, meditation is one of the good deeds we can do for others. If we have built up some beautiful (positive) energy through meditation, now is the time to share that energy with other beings, recognizing that we have a point of connection. What we do in our meditation and practice has a profound effect on other beings across the universe. So, that's why I'm going to practice the loving-kindness meditation now.

Steps:

No. 1:

Sit upright, stay natural, and relax your whole body.

You can choose the sitting position you like. If cross-legged is difficult, then

Cross-legged is not required; you can place your legs side-by-side on the ground without the leg is pressed against the other leg. Use a cushion of the proper height to sit more comfortably and it is easier to keep the upper body upright.

Then relax the whole body part by part from head to toe without letting the body

Cause tension. If any part is found to be tense, please relax and let it go naturally. Tense will come after you sit for a long time if not fully relaxed, this made the body cause pain or discomfort. So it is important to fully relax your whole body first.

No. 2:

Close your eyes, and then we can start spreading love. This process is like sending blessings to yourself and others, sending the most precious gifts.

No. 3:

Say it with your heart: "Wish me be free from hatred", and imagine the meaning of this sentence, pause for a moment, and say again: " Wish me be free from hatred", imagine a golden field in front of you, and now you are spreading on it. The seed of " Wish me be free from hatred", sow this beautiful seed of compassion in your heart. Do this again and again, until you think that is already enough.

No. 4:

Repeat the above method, and silently say:

" Wish me be free from fear, free from danger"...

" Wish me be free from enmity"...

" Wish me be free from mental pain"...

"Wish me be free from physical pain"...

" Wish me be happy." …

No. 5:

Repeat the above method to the person whom you want to spread loving kindness.

Imagine Her/ his face will be in front of you, then repeat above kindness to them.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!