Going Metta!

Today’s midday lesson, not from school but from life; one of those conversations you are able to have after finding a way through the back doors. “Metta” is the way to heal all our pain; to release all hatred.” Metta is the word for loving kindness. According to its practitioners, its practice allows us to feel our connection with others as well as with all life. It is the attainment of love without attachment, without the desire to control or possess. Its ultimate goal is to seeing goodness in us, which seems to be the hardest part, and seeing it in others alike. Once goodness is found, then we move into that space where only love and kindness reside. As difficult as it might be to see these attributes, especially in turbulent times, those who know say that we just need to remember that we are all rowing in the same boat, trying to achieve the same goal; to find happiness. “We just need to learn how to remove our own feelings of guilt, remorse, and regret to welcome feelings of acceptance and forgiveness. Only then we can enter Metta.”

I am a visual/experiential learner; had to see and feel to actually understand. This is how metta goes. We sit comfortably, although this time we were walking. The process starts by repeating phrases. You are holding an image, yours or another person to whom you want to send some loving waves. It’s not about seeing a clear picture though but about holding a powerful intention. It is about shutting the brain for a brief time and pumping all the love from your heart as you hold that image. And then, time stands still and your love touches that person in subtle ways.

I was told that the first aspect we must turned metta is self-love. I am always saying that we cannot give what we don’t have so that part wasn’t hard. The most difficult stage is to hold that image and don’t drift from your intentions; to stay with that person, holding the image, and sending waves of love and kindness. What if the waves don’t reach the receiver? What if all the power of healing love is not felt? ‘You never doubt love, priya. That’s the only force that would never fails. Phir milenge.” Probably, I will not see him again but I am glad I decided to risk security to get some drinks and chips. Humble people have the gift of ancient wisdom. Metta will stay with me no matter where I go.