Joseph Goldstein, a metta practice instructor and meditation teacher, delves into the many flavors of loving-kindness in this insightful podcast. Topics include using mantra for loving-kindness, metta as a tool for concentration, and different ways metta can be applied in meditation. Goldstein also discusses the unconditional quality of metta and leads a guided metta practice to cultivate well-wishing.
Metta meditation cultivates well-wishing and genuine emotional care towards oneself and others.
Practicing Metta involves visualizing the recipient, reciting supportive phrases, and embracing the emotional feeling of loving-kindness.
Deep dives
The Power of Metta Meditation
Metta meditation focuses on developing a deep capacity for well-wishing towards others. It involves reciting phrases like 'May you be happy' while cultivating genuine emotional care and kindness towards oneself and others. This practice aims to create a field of loving-kindness that radiates towards individuals, irrespective of their relationship with us. Through visualizing specific people or using repeated phrases, individuals can strengthen their ability to express unconditional positive regard.
The Practice and Techniques of Metta
The practice of Metta involves three main components: clear perception of the recipient, supportive phrases expressing goodwill, and cultivating the emotional feeling of loving kindness. Different individuals may emphasize visualizing the recipient, repeating phrases, or directly connecting with the feeling based on their preferences. By using phrases like 'May you be happy' and focusing on the heart center, practitioners can embody a genuine sense of caring and well-wishing.
Transformation Through Metta Practice
Metta practice can be transformative, enhancing relationships and one's worldview. While initially challenging for some, consistent practice can lead to a profound shift in how individuals relate to themselves and others. By creating a field of loving-kindness and inviting different individuals into this field, practitioners can experience increased compassion, empathy, and a genuine sense of goodwill towards all beings.
Offering instruction for metta practice, Joseph Goldstein explains the many flavors of loving-kindness that we can try.
This 2018 talk was originally published on Dharmaseed.
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This time on Insight Hour, Joseph Goldstein explicates:
The unconditional quality of metta
Helping each other see our individual loveliness
Using mantra to evoke the feeling of loving-kindness
Metta as a tool for deep concentration
Experimenting with the different ways metta can be applied in meditation
The three aspects of practicing of loving-kindness
A 12-minute guided metta practice to settle into the feeling of well-wishing
“There are two main purposes for doing metta meditation. One is metta, or loving-kindness, which can be used as a vehicle for developing concentration. So, not only for the metta quality itself, but it is a technique or a method for developing strong concentration, even to the point of absolution.” – Joseph Goldstein