Metta Instructions with Bhante Vimalaramsi

[@blackhunk2265]

Thank you Bhante and David for prompt reply/ response to questions.

[@blackhunk2265]

Detail explained of smile and its possible positive impact on mind and physic as well.🎉🎉🎉

[@freeworld88888]

same concept as mindful or reciting method... i like the concept of smile and come back.. i just come back sometimes resistence.. that's wrong... but i learn.

[@blackhunk2265]

Result oriented practice for gaining happiness in mind

[@martagp9412]

I love you, Bhante. Thanks for your words

[@freisein6554]

Very good.Thank you for uploading.

[@MT-ob6bl]

Thanks from🇨🇦

[@jenniferpapp813]

What if I don't have any spiritual friend?

[@davidjohnson8218]

Doesn't have to be perfect. Just someone you talk to. Or a teacher, even a nun would be good. Don't over think it. Whoever it is will benefit from your sending Metta! :-)

[@melaniesue14]

Metta to you 💕Pick someone you like and respect. Or would like to know better. Sending love to your spiritual friend actually makes the relationship grow in amazing ways. You want to pick someone of your same sex so the sexual feelings don’t interfere. If you are gay you would want to pick someone of the opposite sex. This is a beautiful practice. Amazing things have happened in my life. I studied in 2007 with Bhante Vimala, and Ruth Denison in the Mojave Desert for ten days. Sadly, Bhante passed away June 27, 2023 surrounded by beloved Buddhist monks in Missouri. I wish you peace, and happiness always. 💕🙏🏽

[@1987Riva]

Is it okay to wish for materialistic wellness for yourself (and your spiritual friend) when doing Metta such as wealth etc?

[@DhammasukhaOrg]

You can wish general prosperity - yes.

[@blackhunk2265]

Can I Wish for fulfilling basic needs?

[@bscottc1]

Does the meninges really get tight and then relax, or is this just a creative imagination technique? I mean has this been measured in some way?

[@davidjohnson8218]

Scott - It hasn't been measured and I think now we consider it as a "perceived" tightness that is there - like tightness in your leg. What is it that is tight? something definitely is or we wouldn't feel it. But you can feel the tightness of thoughts arising and when you relax that tightness the thought vanishes and the mind is tranquil.

[@bscottc1]

Thanks for responding David. What you say makes sense. It's not inconceivable to me that there might be a physiological response, and I googled it, thinking maybe someone had actually measured thru MRI or other tech, but didn't find anything. I do think it's an interesting idea or technique worth considering, and have dabbled a bit in it after listening to some of BV's talks. I do "feel" something, particularly if I connect it to the idea of diminishing craving. I shall endeavor to explore further.

[@scottmcrae7410]

Thank you Bhante 🙏

[@amitgupta7153]

Hi Bhante, Metta to you. Is this meditation meant to be done during the meditation hour or during the whole day. what is advisable for a beginner (in case it needs to be done the whole day, if I meet a person at work, do I radiate loving-kindness to the person I'm meeting at the moment or to the spiritual friend). Metta

[@davidjohnson8218]

Hi Amit - it is David and I can advise you on this. You should do a minimum 30min sitting per day; and sit up to an hour if you like - that is, of course, better. If you want to do this all day you would sit and also do some walking and then more sitting. when you are not doing formal meditation you radiate lovingkindness to anyone you come across as well as to yourself during the day. You want to learn the 6R process to let go of distractions - this is the way to the development of jhana. You can sign up for online retreats at our site too. www.dhammasukha.org

[@amitgupta7153]

Hi David, Thank you for your kind reply. May you be well. /bows/

[@birkmcclain6220]

i think you could move, but you would have to detach your mind from the movement

[@DhammasukhaOrg]

You must sit still - body and mind are attached- nama rupa - so you still one and it affects the other. Very important to not move at all. The body will feel like a tranquil feeling comes over it like when water is freezing. If you kick the bucket the freezing process stops completely and then you have to let the water sit longer once again. Same way with mind. At least 30min without moving.

[@melaniesue14]

Movement detracts from your minds movement when sitting. It’s better to be still or do walking meditation. Ironically walking meditation is movement but works just as well. Try to pick a place that is not to noisy. Or even walk a meditation circle in Catholic Church or cathedral. (I’ve seen one in cathedral in San Francisco. 💕 If you are sick you can meditate lying down as well. 🙏🏽Metta to you.