Metta (Mettanisamsa) Sutta: Discourse on Advantages of
Loving-kindness (AN 11.16)
Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One was living near
Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika's monastery. Then he addressed the monks
saying, "Monks." — "Venerable Sir," said the monks, by way
of reply. The Blessed One then spoke as follows:
"Monks, eleven advantages are to be expected from
the release (deliverance) of heart by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of
loving-kindness (metta), by the cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly
increasing these thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a vehicle (of
expression), and also as something to be treasured, by living in conformity
with these thoughts, by putting these ideas into practice, and by establishing
them. What are the eleven?
1. "He sleeps in comfort.
2. He awakes in comfort.
3. He sees no evil dreams.
4. He is dear to human beings.
5. He is dear to non-human beings.
6. Devas (gods) protect him.
7. Fire, poison, and sword cannot touch him.
8. His mind can concentrate quickly.
9. His countenance is serene.
10. He dies without being confused in mind.
11. If he fails to attain arahantship (the highest
sanctity) here and now, he will be reborn in the brahma-world.
"These eleven advantages, monks, are to be
expected from the release of heart by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of
loving-kindness, by cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly increasing
these thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a vehicle (of expression), and
also as something to be treasured, by living in conformity with these thoughts,
by putting these ideas into practice and by establishing them."
So said the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the
words of the Blessed One.
Source : Access to Insight
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