The Practice of having Metta

 

Metta means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others. It is the first of the four sublime states (Brahmaviharas) and one of the ten pāramīs of the Theravāda school of Buddhism.

The cultivation of benevolence (metta) is a popular form of Buddhist meditation. It is a part of the four immeasurables in Brahmavihara (divine abidings) meditation. Metta as 'compassion meditation' is often practiced in Asia by broadcast chanting, wherein monks chant for the laity.

The compassion and universal loving-kindness concept of Metta is discussed in the Metta Sutta of Buddhism, and is also found in the ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism and Jainism as Metta or Maitri.

When you practice good will with loving-kindness, you remove fear and negative reactivity from your mind. This is what is most important about many people practicing metta, together or individually, whenever it is necessary to reduce the conflict and hatred that emerge so quickly from fear and spread in a viral fashion.

Metta chanting (Phae Metta) is the radiation of loving-kindness towards all beings: May they all be happy and peaceful. Metta chanting is soothing, uplifting, joyful and a great healing for the world - pervading it with waves of love. Truly, may all beings be happy. May they live always in peace and harmony.

The prayer or chant of Metta starts by blessing oneself and gradually expands outward from there, eventually wishing good intentions for the entire world and all beings, even our enemies. There are many variations and translations of this prayer, but what follows is the essence of it.

The Chant of Metta Text

Aham avero homi

May I be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjho homi

May I be free from mental suffering

anigha homi

May I be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharami

May I take care of myself happily

Mama matapitu

May my parents

acariya ca natimitta ca

teacher relatives and friends

sabrahma - carino ca

fellow Dhamma farers

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Imasmim arame sabbe yogino

May all meditators in this compound

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Imasmim arame sabbe bhikkhu

May all monks in this compound

samanera ca

novice monks

upasaka - upasikaya ca

laymen and laywomen disciples

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Amhakam catupaccaya - dayaka

May our donors of the four supports: clothing, food, medicine and lodging

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

May they take care of themselves happily

Amhakam arakkha devata

May our guardian devas

Ismasmim vihare

in this monastery

Ismasmim avase

in this dwelling

Ismasmim arame

in this compound

arakkha devata

May the guardian devas

avera hontu

be free from enmity and danger

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Sabbe satta

May all beings

sabbe pana

all breathing things

sabbe bhutta

all creatures

sabbe puggala

all individuals (all beings)

sabbe attabhava - pariyapanna

all personalities (all beings with mind and body)

sabbe itthoyo

may all females

sabbe purisa

all males

sabbe ariya

all noble ones (saints)

sabbe anariya

all worldlings (those yet to attain sainthood)

sabbe deva

all devas (deities)

sabbe manussa

all humans

sabbe vinipatika

all those in the four woeful planes

avera hontu

be free from enmity and dangers

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Dukkha muccantu

May all being be free from suffering

Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu

May whatever they have gained not be lost

Kammassaka

All beings are owners of their own Kamma

Purathimaya disaya

in the eastern direction

pacchimaya disaya

in the western direction

uttara disaya

in the northern direction

dakkhinaya disaya

in the southern direction

purathimaya anudisaya

in the southeast direction

pacchimaya anudisaya

in the northwest direction

uttara anudisaya

in the northeast direction

dakkhinaya anudisaya

in the southwest direction

hetthimaya disaya

in the direction below

uparimaya disaya

in the direction above

Sabbe satta

May all beings

sabbe pana

all breathing things

sabbe bhutta

all creatures

sabbe puggala

all individuals (all beings)

sabbe attabhava - pariyapanna

all personalities (all beings with mind and body)

sabbe itthoyo

may all females

sabbe purisa

all males

sabbe ariya

all noble ones (saints)

sabbe anariya

(those yet to attain sainthood)

sabbe deva

all devas (deities)

sabbe manussa

all humans

sabbe vinipatika

all those in the 4 woeful planes

avera hontu

be free from enmity and dangers

abyapajjha hontu

be free from mental suffering

anigha hontu

be free from physical suffering

sukhi - attanam pariharantu

may they take care of themselves happily

Dukkha muccantu

May all beings be free from suffering

Yattha-laddha-sampattito mavigacchantu

May whatever they have gained not be lost

Kammassaka

All beings are owners of their own kamma

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta pathavicara

whatever beings that move on earth

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta udakecara

whatever beings that move on water

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger

Uddham yava bhavagga ca

As far as the highest plane of existence

adho yava aviccito

to as far down as the lowest plane

samanta cakkavalesu

in the entire universe

ye satta akasecara

whatever beings that move in air

abyapajjha nivera ca

may they are free of mental suffering and enmity

nidukkha ca nupaddava

and from physical suffering and danger.

FEATURE: Luang Phu Sim, Wat ThamPhaaPlong, Chiang Mai.

Luang Phu Sim, Wat ThamPhaaPlong, Chiang Mai. Rian Sema 12:00, B.E 2517 (1974)

The late Phra Nāṇasidhacān is fondly known and revered throughout the country as Luang Phu Sim, or simply ‘Luang Phu’, which refers to an elderly and highly respected person in monkshood.

Luang Phu Sim was born on 26^th November B.E. 2452 (1909), to a humble peasant family of Baan Bua, Sawang Subdistrict, Pannanikom District, Sakhon Nakhon Province, as one of the seven children of Nai Saan and Nang Singkhum. Both of his parents were known to have been dedicated and supporting of the local monastery. At the age of 17, Luang Phu Sim entered the monkshood by taking a novice ordainment at Wat Rattanaraam, Ban Bua, and shortly afterwards he became a disciple of the great Phra Ajahn Mun Booridhatto at Saam Vong Village, Sri Song Kram District, Nakhon Phanom Province.

At the age of 20, he was fully ordained as a monk at Wat Sri Candravāsa, Khon Khaen Province. Phra Kroo Pisaan Arañaket was the monk who officiated at his ordainment ceremony and Phra Ajahn Singh Khandhañākamo was his main Preceptor. ‘Buddhacāro’ was his given name as a monk.

After he became a monk in the early dry seasons, Luang Phu adopted Dhutaṅgavatra, the custom of wandering in solitude through the forest wilderness, staying in caves and practicing the Dhamma. At the age of 31, he came to Chiang Mai in B.E. 2483 (1940) and built Wat Santidhamma in B.E. 2492 (1949). In later years, he was recognized as the abbot of numerous monasteries in various parts of the country. In B.E. 2502 (1959), he was given ecclesiastical title of Phra Khroo Santivarañāṇa. Between B.E. 2498 (1955) to B.E. 2409 (1966), Luang Phu was invited to be the abbot for the following temples:

• Wat Santi Tham, Chiangmai, from B.E. 2498 (1955) to B.E. 2509 (1966).
• Wat Asokaram, Samut Prakarn, from B.E. 2404 (1961) to B.E. 2509 (1966), when Luang Por Lee passed away, his relatives came to invite him to become an abbot in 1961-1965. 
• Wat Pa Suthawat, Sakon Nakhon, from B.E. 2408 (1965) to B.E. 2509 (1966).

Later in the year B.E. 2509 (1966), Luang Phu decided to resign all his abbot duties and decided to go on Tudong to practice Vipassana and live in the forest. Luang Phu went on foot all the way to the north of the country.

At the end of the Buddhist Lent that year, after travelling around to find a place for his solitary  practice and by fate he found PhaaPlong Cave, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, which seems to be a proper place for the solitary practice. In B.E. 2510 (1967), he established a monastery in these remote mountains that has remained his residence until the last day of his life.

His service to Buddhism can be seen from his regular strict routine: waking up at 03:00 a.m. to make prayer the Buddha, presenting a sermon at 06:00 a.m., going about alms making at O7:00 p.m. and after breakfast he would meditate. He also delivered public sermons and devoted his time and effort almost exclusively to teaching on Dramma (the Lord Buddha’s teachings) for the whole of his life.

Because of his devotion to Buddhism and his own virtue, His Majesty the King Bhumibol granted him one of the highest honour to be conferred as ‘Phra Ñāṇasidhacan’ on 12^th August B.E. 2535 (1992).

Luang Phu passed away peacefully on 14^th August B.E. 2535 (1992), at the age of 83 with 63 years in monkshood. His Majesty the King Bhumibol and Her Majesty the Queen Sirikitti presided over his funeral ceremony, which was also attended by people from all walks of life, government officials, merchants, people and his disciples from all over the country.

Although he has passed on for years, his virtue is still in people’s memories and his teachings live on, manifesting the righteous truth of life.

(Source: A placard at Wat Tham Pha Plong; https://swabhava.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/wat-tham-pha-plong-and-luang-Phu-sim/)

This Rian Luang Phu Sim Roon 6 Phim Sema Yai 12:00 (12 O’clock) was made in B.E. 2517 (2514) using Neur Thong Deang material consecrated by Luang Phu Sim and co-chanted by Luang Phu Wean of Wat DoiMaePung, Chiang Mai as well. Both masters learnt from the same Ajahn Mun and thus were very close friends, always extending invitation to each other whenever there was consecration ceremony at each other’s temple. This batch of Rian was donated by Thammasat University & Politics (Politics was removed from the university name after B.E. 2498 (1955) due to political climate then).

to assist in raising building funds for Wat Hua Nong, Wang Chai Subdistrict, Borabue District, Maha Sarakham Province.

There are both Phim Yai and Phim Lek (Big and Small mould) created for this batch with Neur Ngern, Neur Nawa and Neur Thong Deang. There is also a box set of four Rians consisting of Neur Ngern, Neur Nawa, Neur Thong Deang Galia Thong  and Neur Thong Deang for distribution to Thammasat University’s officials and students that contribute to this merit making.

Phim Yai made:

• Neur Ngern not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Nawa Loha not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Thong Deang & Galia Thong not more than 5000 pieces

Phim Lek made:

• Neur Ngern not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Nawa Loha not more than 100 pieces
• Neur Thong Deang & Galia Thong not more than 100 pieces

FEATURE: Rian Pidta Lang Yant Ha, Luang Phor Keok, Wat Lahanrai, Rayong.

FEATURE: Rian Pidta Lang Yant Ha, Luang Phor Keok, Wat Lahanrai, Rayong.

Rian Pidta Lang Yant Ha. Roon Reak. B.E 2519 (1976).

Luang Phor Keok was born in Roi-et Province in B.E.2424 (1881) and was first ordained as a novice monk at the age of 15 and learned magic with many guru monks. He returned as a layman at the age of 22 and began to lead a life as a bandit stealing from others. He was known by the name Ser Keok (Bandit “Keok”) and always hang around together with a local gangster Ser Qing to commit several crimes around the local districts. Unknow to many, he was also an Ajahn at the young age with special knowledge in Maha Metta, Maha Saneh and Metta Maha Niyom. Thus it was told that he had several wives and yet able to live in harmony. At the young age, he was also master the magical art of Kong Kra Phan Chatri (Invincibility or free of external physical harm) so much so that no one would able to even harm or cut his hair. He abused his learned magical power and committed a series of crime and was a menace to the local community. After this went on for sometimes, he grew tired of this kind of life and began to feel guilty for all the wrong things he had committed. He decided to ordain as a monk in order to do good for the rest of his life.

Despite that his second ordination happened at a relatively late age of 60 at Wat WaiKrong in Rayong in B.E.2484 (1941). He was still eager to learn magic. He met Luang Phor Tim at Wat Lahanrai and Luang Phor Tim taught him all the magic he knew. Luang Phor Keok was a quick learner and soon became an expert in the magic that Luang Phor Tim taught him. As soon as he settled down at Wat Lahanrai, Luang Phor Keok began to experiment with amulet making as he was very interested in amulet collection during his layman years. He would then include and make use of all his own amulet collection as raw material for the amulet he would made and consecrate. Beside that, he was also a Sakyant master and would often use Nan-man made from Elephant and Tiger to sak for his followers to increase the effect for Kong Kra Phan. As such, many people had experienced very good result from wearing his amulet and from his oil based sakyant.

Many followers would visit Wat Lahanrai to seek Luang Phor Keok sakyant and blessing during that time. Once, Luang Phor Keok was sweeping dry leaves around the temple compound and gather a large pile beside one of the kuti. He then lighted the large pile of dry leaves and created quite a scene from the large fire. Then, Luang Poo Thim walked past and said to Luang Phor Keok not to be so playful and beware of the fire spreading to the kuti. Luang Phor Keok assured Poo Thim and quickly grabbed a handful of sand, chanted a few short verses onto it and threw the sand over the fire. Immediately the fire dies down and extinguished by itself. This was witness by Luang Poo Thim and some passer-by at that time.

During they time together in Wat Lahanrai, Luang Poo Thim and Luang Phor Keok interacted a lot and often studied together for better ways to create effective amulets. Although the age gap between the two masters were quite close, Luang Phor Keok always address Luang Poo Thim as Than Phor out of his deepest respect for him. Luang Poo Thim would always invite Luang Phor Keok along to consecrate his Phra Khun Phean Pla Kuman during that time. Only upon Luang Phor Keok completed his blessing at the ceremony, then Luang Poo Thim would announce the completion of the consecration. This indirectly hinted Luang Poo Thim acknowledged Luang Phor Keok capability.  

Luang Phor Keok, being a low profile monk, did not make many amulets during his later life as a monk at Wat Lahanrai. Matter of fact this batch of Pidta is the most famous one that was first made by him in B.E.2519 (1975) when he was 94 years old. Luang Phor Keok passed away in B.E.2528 (1985) at the age of 104 years old.

FEATURE: KhunPaen Luang Phor Tawee Wat BangKrang, Suphanburi. B.E 2490

Khun Paen Luang Phor Tawee Wat BangKrang, Suphanburi. B.E 2490 (1947).

This vintage batch was created by Phra Khru Apatsilakhun, better known as Luang Phor Plat Thawee, at Wat BanKrang. Vast effort was put in for this creation where Luang Phor took almost 11 years in collecting various material to make this batch of Khun Paen.

Luang Phor Plat Thawee was the grandson of Luang Por Mui, Wat Don Rai, one of the famous monk during his era in Suphanburi. During that time, he was attending the temple school in Wat BanKrang studying the Phra Pariyadhamma wicha. In B.E 2479 (1936), he started planning to make a batch of Khun Paen and thus started to collect holy materials for this auspicious production. It was recorded that items collected during the early years includes:

1.  Broken pieces from the opened kru
2. Soil from the bottom of the kru
3. Seven type of earth from the holy ground
4. Earth known as Sangkhanani soil
5. Earth from Khu Phra Korn Kamphaeng Phet
6. Broken pieces from Rod Maha Wan and the earth from bottom Phra Rod Maha Wan Lamphun
7. Clay, incense, flowers and flowers from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and other temples in the north
8. Powder and 108 herbs from Luang Pho Thira, Wat PaLelai
9. Holy powder from Phra Methi Thammasarn (Luang Pho Sawai), Wat Ban Krang
10. Holy powder from Luang Phor Mui, Wat Don Rai
11. Clay, incense powder and Kesorn flower from North Eastern region temples, Khon Kaen province, Phra That Cho Hae and Thao Suranaree. Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com.
12. Buddha amulet from the Kru of Wat Phra Por Suphan
13. Incense powder from various temples; Wat Phra Ruang Rojanit, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Wat Phra Non Chak Si, Sing Buri, Wat Phra Non, Wat Phra Chetuphon, Wat Suthat, Wat Phra Attharot, Phitsanulok, Wat Phra Keok and Wat Saket.
14. Clay powder and Kesorn flower from royal chedi, Don Chedi.
15. Seven kind of Earth from Wang Wang, Bang Khun Prom, Wang Burapha, Wang Saranrom, Wang Thewet, Wang Sukhothai, Wang Chan Kasem and the Royal Palace
16. Five type of materials from the Police, Arm Forces, Khun Chang, Khun Bee and Royal Navy.
17. Five earth from underground cave, Saraburi Tham Khao Wang, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi Khao Tham Chom Phon Kanchanaburi.
18. Sven type of Soil 7 from Sa Kaeo lake, Kaka lake, Yama lake, Ket lake, Nong Luang lake, Lat Sing lake, Suphan Buri, Kosinrai river, Kanchanaburi
19. Seven type of Earth from Tha Chang, Wang Na Tha Ratchaworadit, Tha Sadet, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, Tha Nang Rerng,
20. Sands from Bangsaen Beach, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Prachuap Beach and Phuket

After 11 years, Luang Phor Plat Thawee was satisfied with the collected materials and in B.E 2490 (1947) began grinding and mixing all the sacred materials together and started baking the amulets. The amulets were fired within Wat Ban Krang and  only made on a Saturdays according to ancient text. Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com. It was recorded that, in the same year B.E 2490 (1947) during the lunar fifth month, seven reputable monks were invited to the first consecration ceremony for this batch includes:

1. Luang Pho Mui, Wat Don Rai
2. Luang Pho Ta, Wat Phra Loi
3. Luang Pho To, Lat Tan Temple
4. Luang Pho Thirat, Wat Pa Leelai
5. Luang Pho Sawai, Wat Ban Krang
6. Luang Pho Kam, Wat Phutangkur
7. Luang Pho Phang, Wat Suvarnabhumi

A total of 300,000 pieces of Khun Pean were consecrated in that ceremony.

In B.E 2492 (1949), a second consecration Phuttha Phisek ceremony was held to bless the amulets and a ceremony was held to seal all the amulets inside the Kru (pagoda) at Wat BanKrang. This ceremony was attended and blessed by;

1. Ajahn Luang Pho Nam, Wat Don Sala, Phatthalung
2. Luang Pho Phae, Phikun Thong Temple, Sing Buri
3. Luang Pho Plaeng Suvarnabhumi Temple
4. Luang Pho Mui, Don Rai Temple
5. Luang Pho Kaek, Hua Khao Temple
6. Luang Pho Ta, Wat Phra Loi
7. Luang Pho To, Wat Lat Tan
8. Luang Pho Thira, Wat Pa Lelai
9. Luang Pho Kam, Wat Phutangkur
10. Luang Pho Sawai, Ban Krang Temple

The Kru was opened several times since B.E 2492 (1949);

• In the year B.E 2511 (1968), during the Vietnam War had started with conflicts spreading to the nearby country borders. Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn then sent a letter to Wat Wat BanKrang to request for 4,000 pieces of this Khun Pean to be distributed to the soldiers guarding at the borders and supporting in the War effect at the American’s side.

• Field marshal Praphas Charusatien of the Royal Thai Army and minister of interior also requested for 5,000 pieces to be distributed to Royal Thai Army Volunteer Force, or the Black Panthers Brigade soldiers as well. Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com. Another 10,060 pieces were presented to the HM King Rama IX.

• In the year B.E 2513 (1970), Col. Surachet of Chiraprawat Sawan Brigade requested the amulets and to be distributed to his 4,500 soldiers. And another 1,500 pieces were presented to the Director Of Operations Aviation Regiment Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom.

• In the year B.E 2523 (1980), the Kru was opened and a total of 8,900 pieces were distributed to the Aranyaprathet border soldiers.

• In the year B.E 2524 (1981), the most recent ceremony was held at Wat Ban Krang where 10,000 pieces of this batch of amulets were release for the public to make merit. 

Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com.

FEATURE: Luang Phu Wean, Wat DoiMaePung, Chiang Mai. Rian MahaSathi. B.E 2520 (1977).

Luang Phu Wean, Wat DoiMaePung, Chiang Mai.

Rian Roon MahaSathi MangMee TalaatGaan, B.E 2520 (1977).

Luang Phu Waen Sujinno was born on the 16^th February B.E 2430 (1887) in Tambon Na Pong, Muang District of Loei Province to a blacksmith's family. He studied with several teachers and later ordained as a monk at Wat SaNgaPhaRam in Hua Tapam district of Ubon Ratchathani at the age of 21.

Amongst the teachers he studied with, one of them was Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta Thera in Udon Thani. Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com. Luang Phu Waen stayed in Wat Doi Mae Pung permanently during his later years until his passing away in B.E 2528 (1985) at age of 98.

In the year B.E 2520 (1977), Luang Phu wean was requested to create this batch of amulets to raise funds to cast the grand Buddha, fund the building of Samnak for the monks and repair works at Wat SaNgaPhaRam, Ubon Ratchathani.

This batch of rian was named Rian MahaSathi MangMee TalaatGaan which literally means Billionaire Rian For Forever Prosperity. Although it would imply great wealth or fortune with the other side of the Rian featuring the Great Garuda guarding the wealth money bag with Maha Amnaj (charismatic power), I would interpret it as blessing the wearer to continuously bringing in wealth of knowledge and mindfulness in keeping such knowledge one acquire during his or her journey in life.

Rian Roon MahaSathi were blessed individually in three consecration ceremonies during that year in three of the major temples of which two of them are of royal status*:

1. The first consecration ceremony was held at วัดสุทัศน์เทพวราราม Wat Suthat Thepwararam*, Bangkok.
2. The second consecration ceremony was held at วัดเทพศิรินทราวาส Wat Thep Sirintarawat, Bangkok.
3. The last consecration ceremony was held at วัดบวรนิเวศวิหาร Wat Bowonniwet Vihara*, Bangkok.

There were several phims made for this batch of rain namely:

Rian LakChai Maha Sathi, Neaur Thong Deang Galai Thong (Gold plated copper);

• Kamagaan box set consisting of 3 Phims. Made of 999 sets.
• Phim Yai without hook. Made 999 pieces.
• Phim Glang without hook. Made 999 pieces.
• Phim Lek without hook. Made 999 pieces.

Rian LakChai Maha Sathi, Neaur Thong Deang (Copper). Total made 9,999 pieces;

• Phim Yai without hook.   
• Phim Glang without hook.  
• Phim Lek without hook.  

There was no record of how many Rian LakChai Maha Sathi Neaur Loha, Neaur Thong Deang Galai Thong, Neaur Thong Deang Galai Ngern and Neaur Thong Deang Phiu Fai were made, while I would guess at least 9,999 pieces in circulation currently. Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com.

I would encourage you to have a try and read “The Life And Teaching of Luang Pu Waen Sucinno” to know more of this guru monk and his teaching while collecting his amulets. The pdf copy of the book (about 13MB) can be freely downloaded from this link;

https://sites.google.com/site/wideanglewilderness/downloads/LifeandTeachingsWEB.pdf?attredirects=1 Copyright ZapMonster Amulet Tale zapmonster.blogspot.com.