Buddha Story. Metta Meditation to Remove Negative and Break UP Feelings

Summary

The video script narrates a profound story from Buddha's teachings, illustrating the power of Metta, or loving-kindness, to transform negative energies. It recounts how Buddha sent 500 monks into a forest, where initially peaceful spirits became agitated by their presence. Buddha then instructed the monks to return with Metta in their hearts, leading to a harmonious resolution. The narrative emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness, not just towards others but also oneself. It concludes with a guided meditation exercise to cultivate positive mental energy and a serene state of mind, suggesting that such practices can lead to inner peace and happiness.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The term 'Meta' originates from the Pali word 'Metta', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Maitri', signifying friendship and goodwill.
• 🔄 Gautama Buddha instructed 500 monks to practice 'Metta', emphasizing the importance of loving-kindness and compassion in their meditation.
• 🌳 The initial tranquility of the forest where the monks meditated was disrupted by spirits and deities, leading to a test of their practice.
• 🧘‍♂️ Buddha advised the monks to return to the forest with a protective 'armor' of Metta, which would shield them from the disturbances.
• 🌟 The monks discovered that by cultivating Metta, the environment and the deities' attitudes changed, demonstrating the power of loving-kindness to transform negativity.
• 💡 The teachings emphasize that just as one should not harm others, one should also not harbor negative thoughts or distress oneself.
• 🤔 The practice of Metta is encouraged as a means to overcome negative thoughts and to maintain a positive and focused mindset.
• 🧠 The script suggests a meditation practice involving deep breathing and focusing on positive feelings towards oneself and others.
• 📧 A simple exercise is introduced where one sends positive thoughts and well-wishes to those who have caused harm, as a way to cultivate compassion.
• 🔄 The script concludes with a reminder to practice Metta meditation regularly and to challenge mental tendencies, promoting a shift from negative to positive mental states.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'Metta' mentioned in the script?

The term 'Metta' is derived from the Pali language, which originates from the Sanskrit word 'Maitri', meaning loving-kindness.

What was the purpose of Gautama Buddha sending 500 bhikkhus to the forest?

Gautama Buddha sent 500 bhikkhus to the forest to practice Vipassana and to put in more effort in their spiritual practice.

How did the forest environment change after the bhikkhus arrived, as described in the script?

Initially, the forest environment was peaceful and pure. However, after two days, the atmosphere changed abruptly, with the devas and spirits living there becoming upset due to the bhikkhus' presence.

What actions did the devas and spirits take to disturb the bhikkhus in the forest?

The devas and spirits began to disturb the bhikkhus by creating frightening sounds, emitting foul odors, shaking trees, and performing strange actions to scare them away.

What advice did Gautama Buddha give to the bhikkhus when they returned to him frightened?

Gautama Buddha advised the bhikkhus to return to the forest with the right mental attitude, specifically with Metta, to overcome the difficulties they faced.

How did the bhikkhus' practice of Metta affect the devas and spirits according to the script?

The practice of Metta by the bhikkhus positively influenced the devas and spirits, transforming their anger and fear into love and trust, leading them to protect the trees and enter a state of meditation.

What is the significance of the instruction given by Buddha to the bhikkhus regarding their attitude towards all beings?

Buddha instructed the bhikkhus to maintain an attitude of Metta towards all beings, regardless of their appearance or behavior, to avoid causing them suffering or distress.

How does the script relate the teachings of Metta to modern life challenges?

The script suggests that the practice of Metta can help modern individuals focus on their work and enjoy life without being unnecessarily troubled by meaningless worries or negative thoughts.

What is the first step in the Metta meditation practice described in the script?

The first step in the Metta meditation practice is to sit quietly, close the eyes, take deep breaths, and focus attention on the breath while in the chest area.

What is the purpose of the Metta meditation practice as outlined in the script?

The purpose of the Metta meditation practice is to cultivate a mental state of love and goodwill towards oneself and others, which can increase mental energy and help maintain focus on tasks and processes.

How does the script suggest dealing with negative emotions or individuals who have caused harm?

The script suggests dealing with negative emotions or individuals who have caused harm by practicing compassion and forgiveness, starting with oneself, and extending these feelings towards others, including those who have caused harm.