Episode 176 - Light up this world like a moon set free

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

The Buddha said that an earnest practitioner, even when just beginning the path to enlightenment, "lights up this world like the moon set free from a cloud." This episode explores how to relate to being this light in our world, specifically through the practice of metta, or loving-kindness.

Metta practice involves cultivating a heartfelt attitude of unconditional love, benevolence, and goodwill towards oneself and all sentient beings. Metta meditation is a practical way to strengthen these qualities. It can be done in formal meditation or "off the cushion" with the simple recitation of a metta prayer for someone you're with or thinking about.

A Metta Mindfulness Practice

The metta mindfulness practice suggested in this episode is to deeply relate to being someone who "Lights up this world like the moon set free from a cloud." Recite the following prayer for others you are with (or thinking about) and feel the wish in your heart:

“May you have happiness and peace. May you soon know your Buddha-nature.”

Or simply the metta prayer to:

May you soon know your Buddha-nature.”

Just remember that the practice of metta is not about superficially reciting phrases or well wishes. It involves generating genuine feelings of warmth, kindness, and goodwill. Over time, through consistent practice, these feelings become more natural and integrated into one's daily life, transforming the way they perceive and interact with the world.

Metta meditation is not limited to Buddhists; it can be practiced by anyone seeking to cultivate compassion, empathy, and a more positive outlook on life.

A bhikkhu filled with delight

And pleased with the Buddha’s teachings

Attains happiness, the stilling of formations,

The state of peace. (381)

Engaged in the Buddha’s teachings,

Even a young bhikkhu

Lights up this world

Like the moon

Set free from a cloud. (382)

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011. (Link)

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=381

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