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Mettā

Mettā, (lit. "benevolence", often translated as "loving kindness") is the positive side of ahiṃsā. It does not just avoid to harm other living beings, but actively extends a friendly and compassionate attitude towards them.

Assuming good intention, avoiding quarrel (and even "animated discussions"), listening attentively (without working on an answer internally), carefully catching insects and spiders to remove them from one's home, letting people "win" instead of competing with them: these are all expressions of mettā.

Mettā is the intention behind the expression, though. Without the proper intent, it is nothing but a show of behavior. Buddhist practice is not about signalling correct behavior, it is about understanding.


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