NeoMetta
With all the knowledge that the Hermetic philosophy accumulated over the years, I would like to present to you an improvement on the Metta meditation I found very useful.
I know, I know, the hubris of a man that wants to improve upon Buddha’s teachings. But I deeply believe that if we could do it, we should and the Blessed One would be glad and approving. So, please forgive me.
It is based on two hermetic principles:
Do not place your prayers in a future or a conditional form. Imagine them as if they were already yours, right now. Preferably in the “I am” form. 2
The universe doesn’t understand negatives. Thinking “may I be free from suffering” is bringing suffering into your life.
Hence, when you do Metta, try it as follows:
Relax, breathe in and. Relax your face, relax your neck. Relax your hands and back. Relax your stomach and your legs.
Follow your breath as it comes and goes. Focus on your heart area. Imagine that you are breathing in and out of your heart. Watch your breath coming and going from your heart. Imagine that your heart is connected to the source of infinite love.
Bathe in that feeling.
Feel your entire body filled with that loving energy.
Start with giving Metta to yourself – for you cannot give Metta to others if you don’t have Metta to yourself.
I’m happy.
I’m well.
I’m healthy.
I’m filled with joy.
I’m blessed.
My heart overflows with love and kindness.
Repeat 3 times.
Now imagine someone you love. Imagine them sitting in front of you. Imagine looking into their eyes and giving them your Metta.
You are happy.
You are well.
You are healthy.
You are filled with joy.
You are blessed.
Your heart overflows with love and kindness.
Repeat 3 times.
Now imagine someone you know, but don’t care much one way or another. Your relationship is neutral. Imagine them sitting in front of you. Imagine looking into their eyes and giving them your Metta.
You are happy.
You are well.
You are healthy.
You are filled with joy.
You are blessed.
Your heart overflows with love and kindness.
Repeat 3 times.
Now imagine someone difficult for you. This is the core of this exercise.
Imagine something who betrayed your trust, someone who may make you angry. Realize that just like you, they want to be happy and avoid suffering. Realize that just like you, they are trying their best to be well.
Imagine looking into their eyes and giving them your Metta.
You are happy.
You are well.
You are healthy.
You are filled with joy.
You are blessed.
Your heart overflows with love and kindness.
Repeat 3 times.
Now imagine your body overflowing with the powerful field of Metta Magic. Imagine it encompassing the whole world. The whole galaxy, the whole universe, and everything that may be beyond that. Give you Meta to all beings.
All of you are happy.
All of you are well.
All of you are healthy.
All of you are filled with joy.
All of you are blessed.
All of your hearts are overflowing with love and kindness.
Repeat 3 times.
Slowly return back to the world.