Introduction

Joseph Goldstein covers the basics of metta, which he calls the generosity of the heart, and shares ways we can cultivate deeper feelings of loving-kindness in our practice.

“Metta, as most of you are familiar, is a word from the Pali language, the language of the Buddha’s time, and it means loving-kindness or friendliness. And it refers to that basic quality or that basic feeling of generosity of the heart. It’s an expression of the generous heart that is simply wishing well, simply wishing or expressing goodwill to ourselves and others.” – Joseph Goldstein

In this episode, Joseph shares his insight on:

• The basics of metta, or loving-kindness, and how it refers to the feeling of the generosity of the heart
• How metta can become the ground for wisdom to grow
• The difference between metta and desire, and why those two feelings are often confused for one another
• Different ways we can nurture our practice and cultivate deeper feelings of metta, including reflecting on forgiveness and gratitude 

This dharma talk from February 6, 1999, was originally published on Dharma Seed.

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