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### Sutta Nipata I.8

# Karaniya Metta Sutta

# Good Will

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.

Read alternate translations: Acharya Buddharakkhita | Piyadassi Thera

Note: This sutta also appears at Khp 9.

> This is to be done by one skilled in aims
> who wants to break through to the state of peace:
> Be capable, upright, & straightforward,
> easy to instruct, gentle, & not conceited,
> content & easy to support,
> with few duties, living lightly,
> with peaceful faculties, masterful,
> modest, & no greed for supporters.

> Do not do the slightest thing
> that the wise would later censure.

> Think: Happy, at rest,
> may all beings be happy at heart.
> Whatever beings there may be,
> weak or strong, without exception,
> long, large,
> middling, short,
> subtle, blatant,
> seen & unseen,
> near & far,
> born & seeking birth:
> May all beings be happy at heart.

> Let no one deceive another
> or despise anyone anywhere,
> or through anger or irritation
> wish for another to suffer.

> As a mother would risk her life
> to protect her child, her only child,
> even so should one cultivate a limitless heart
> with regard to all beings.
> With good will for the entire cosmos,
> cultivate a limitless heart:
> Above, below, & all around,
> unobstructed, without enmity or hate.
> Whether standing, walking,
> sitting, or lying down,
> as long as one is alert,
> one should be resolved on this mindfulness.
> This is called a sublime abiding
> here & now.

> Not taken with views,
> but virtuous & consummate in vision,
> having subdued desire for sensual pleasures,
> one never again
> will lie in the womb.

Revised: Mon 21 January 2002