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# Khuddakapatha

## The Short Passages
(excerpt)

Translated from the Pali by Acharya Buddharakkhita.
For free distribution only.

Read alternate translations: Narada Thera | Piyadassi Thera | Thanissaro Bhikkhu

From Metta: The Philosophy and Practice of Universal Love (WH 365), by Acharya Buddharakkhita (Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1989). Copyright ©1989 Buddhist Publication Society. Used with permission.

### 9. Karaniya Metta Sutta -- The Hymn of Universal Love

[Note: This sutta also appears at Sn I.8.]

[Read alternate translations: Piyadassi Thera | Thanissaro Bhikkhu]

> Who seeks to promote his welfare,
> Having glimpsed the state of perfect peace,
> Should be able, honest and upright,
> Gentle in speech, meek and not proud.

> Contented, he ought to be easy to support,
> Not over-busy, and simple in living.
> Tranquil his senses, let him be prudent,
> And not brazen, nor fawning on families.

> Also, he must refrain from any action
> That gives the wise reason to reprove him.
> (Then let him cultivate the thought:)
> May all be well and secure,
> May all beings be happy!

> Whatever living creatures there be,
> Without exception, weak or strong,
> Long, huge or middle-sized,
> Or short, minute or bulky,

> Whether visible or invisible,
> And those living far or near,
> The born and those seeking birth,
> May all beings be happy!

> Let none deceive or decry
> His fellow anywhere;
> Let none wish others harm
> In resentment or in hate.

> Just as with her own life
> A mother shields from hurt
> Her own son, her only child,
> Let all-embracing thoughts
> For all beings be yours.

> Cultivate an all-embracing mind of love
> For all throughout the universe,
> In all its height, depth and breadth --
> Love that is untroubled
> And beyond hatred or enmity.

> As you stand, walk, sit or lie,
> So long as you are awake,
> Pursue this awareness with your might:
> It is deemed the Divine State here.

> Holding no more to wrong beliefs,
> With virtue and vision of the ultimate,
> And having overcome all sensual desire,
> Never in a womb is one born again.

Revised: Mon 21 January 2002