The Cultivation of Loving-Kindness

 ~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

In this period of great stress and uncertainty, one of our most important tools to maintain sanity and balance is the cultivation of loving-kindness for self and others. On one occasion the Buddha listed the benefits that may be realised. The range is remarkable: beginning with physical and mental well-being and culminating in profound spiritual accomplishment:

1) one sleeps well
2) one awakens happily
3) one does not have bad dreams
4) one is pleasing to human beings
5) one is pleasing to non-human beings
6) one is protected by devas
7) fire, poison and weapons do not injure one
8) one’s mind becomes quickly concentrated
9) one’s countenance is serene
10) one dies unconfused
11) if one fails to attain arahanship, one is reborn in a brahma realm.

(AN 11.13)

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.