The Karaniya Metta Sutta focuses on the cultivation of loving-kindness, or Metta, towards oneself and others. It is considered one of the most important Buddhist chants or Paritta, and is often recited as a daily practice by Buddhists around the world. The Sutta teaches that the practice of loving-kindness can bring about one’s inner peace and happiness, that can also lead to a more harmonious and compassionate society. It outlines specific steps for cultivating metta towards oneself, loved ones, acquaintances, and even enemies, emphasising the importance of extending love and kindness to all beings, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through the practice of the Karaniya Metta Sutta, one can develop a deep sense of empathy and compassion, and experience the profound benefits of unconditional love and acceptance.
| 1 Karaniyam atthakusalena Yan tam santam padam abhisamecca Sakko uju ca suju ca Suvaco c’assa mudu anatimani | 1 This is what should be done By one who is skilled in goodness Having glimpsed the state of perfect peace, Let them be able, honest and upright, Gentle in speech, meek and not proud. |
| 2 Santussako ca subharo ca Appakicco ca sallahukavutti Santindriyo ca nipako ca Appagabbho kulesu ananugiddho | 2 Contented and easy to support, With few duties, and simple in living. Tranquil their senses, masterful and modest, without greed for supporters |
| 3 Na ca khuddam samacare kinci Yena viññu pare upavadeyyum Sukhino va khemino hontu Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta | 3 Also, let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Let them cultivate the thought: May all be well and secure, May all beings be happy |
| 4 Ye keci panabhut’atthi Tasa va thavara va anavasesa Digha va ye mahanta va Majjhima rassakanukathula | 4 Whatever living creatures there be, Without exception, weak or strong, Long, huge or middle-sized, Or short, minute or bulky, |
| 5 Dittha va yeva adittha Ye ca dure vasanti avidure Bhuta va sambhavesi va Sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta | 5 Whether visible or invisible, And those living far or near, The born and those seeking birth, May all beings be happy |
| 6 Na paro param nikubbetha Natimaññetha katthacinam kanci Byarosana patighasañña Naññamaññassa dukkham iccheyya | 6 Let none deceive another Or despise any being in any state; Let none wish others harm In resentment or in hate. |
| 7 Mata yatha niyam puttam Ayusa ekaputtam anurakkhe Evampi sabbabhutesu Manasam bhavaye aparimanam | 7 Just as with her own life A mother shields her child, her only child, from hurt Let all-embracing thoughts For all beings be yours. |
| 8 Mettañ ca sabba-lokasmim Manasam bhavaye aparimanam Uddham adho ca tiriyanca Asambadham averam asapattam | 8 Cultivate a limitless heart of goodwill For all throughout the cosmos, In all its height, depth and breadth Love that is untroubled and beyond hatred or enmity. |
| 9 Titthañ caram nisinno va Sayano va yavat’assa vigatamiddho Etam satim adhittheyya Brahmam etam viharam idhamahu | 9 As you stand, walk, sit or lie, So long as you are awake, Pursue this awareness with your might: It is deemed the Divine Abiding- here and now |
| 10 Ditthiñca anupagamma silava Dassanena sampanno Kamesu vineyya gedham Na hi jatu gabbhaseyyam punar eti’ti | 10 Holding no more to wrong views, A pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world. |