Grammatical Analysis
Mettā: [f.] loving-kindness; universal goodwill; friendliness. Derived from mitta (friend). It denotes the quality or state of being a true, sincere friend to all living beings.
Orthodox Definition
Mettā is the sincere wish for the welfare, safety, and true happiness of all sentient beings without exception. Doctrinally, it is the mental factor of non-hatred (adosa-cetasika) expressed in an active, expansive manner. It is completely distinct from sentimental or personal affection (sineha), which is rooted in selfish attachment and craving (taṇhā).
Mettā stands as the first of the four boundless states or divine abodes (brahmavihāra). Its primary psychological function is to directly counteract and extinguish anger, ill-will, and aversion (dosa).
The Visuddhimagga defines its specific parameters:
- Lakkhaṇa (Characteristic): Promoting the welfare of beings.
- Rasa (Function): Preferring or bringing about their good.
- Paccupaṭṭhāna (Manifestation): The removal of annoyance or resentment.
- Padaṭṭhāna (Proximate Cause): Seeing the lovable, agreeable aspects of beings by recognizing their shared vulnerability to suffering.
Its “near enemy” is worldly affection, while its “far enemy” is active hatred or maliciousness.
Textual References
- Sutta: Karaṇīyamettā Sutta (KhP 9 / Sn 1.8) – The foundational canonical discourse detailing how to cultivate and radiate universal goodwill.
- Canonical: Dhammapada (v. 5) – “Na hi verena verāni…” (Hatred is never appeased by hatred, but by non-hatred alone).
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter IX) – Providing systematic technical instructions for expanding mettā from oneself to a neutral, a difficult, and finally all cosmic beings.