The Discomfort of Compassion
Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism means coming face-to-face with the suffering of all sentient beings. It’s not fun.
Metta (Loving-Kindness)
Metta, or loving-kindness, in Buddhism is a core practice and one of the four immeasurables, or heart qualities to cultivate on the Buddhist path. Metta meditation is the practice of sending loving-kindness to oneself and others with the goal of cultivating kindness toward all. Practitioners call to mind themselves and/or others: someone they love, someone they dislike, and someone they feel neutral toward. They then recite a phrase or series of phrases wishing for happiness, ease, safety, or freedom from suffering. Importantly, the foundation of this practice is generosity; the phrase must be an aspiration (as opposed to an affirmation). The Buddha taught that loving-kindness for all beings was essential for awakening.
Teachings Meditation Month 2025
Loving-Kindness Is Innate
Recognizing that we all seek happiness can help us uncover the love within.
US Poet Laureate Ada Limón on Returning to Wonder
Poet Ada Limón discusses how poetry can slow us down and return us to a state of wonder and awe.
May All Beings Be Happy
A lovingkindness meditation
Teachings Meditation Month 2024
Love Isn’t Linear
Although we normally think of love as something we give or receive, in boundless lovingkindness practice, we give and receive at the same time.
Love Is a Skill
German Buddhist nun Ayya Khema teaches how to bring the heart and mind together through lovingkindness meditation.
TeachingsMagazine | In Brief, Teachings
Drop by Drop
Cultivating wholesome qualities one moment at a time
TeachingsMagazine | Teachings, The Five Hindrances
Working with the Five Hindrances: Ill Will
Printable aids for the pillars of Buddhist practice
Joyfully Covered in Mud
How to love our imperfect selves
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