Metta

The Dalai Lama promotes & exudes kindness

Metta (Pali; maitri in Sanskrit): ‘kindness’, ‘loving-kindness’ or ‘goodwill’, highly regarded by Buddhists, and cultivated in both meditation & everyday activities.

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What it is to be Buddhist? The most basic answer is simply to be kind, as suggested by the Dalai Lama. Be kind to others and be kind to ourselves. Be kind to humans and animals, for we all have the capacity to suffer, but also the ability to alleviate some of that suffering. Be patient, and don’t listen to gossip nor spread it; forgive as much as you can and don’t wish others harm; see that all wish for happiness and safety – just as you do. If we can do this, then we can claim to be Buddhist, not only in our convictions but also in our actions, which is surely where the essence of being Buddhist is found. And, in doing this, we move closer to all beings, human or otherwise, Buddhist or otherwise. Being Buddhist means being kind.