Many communities across the country are hurting deeply because of the bushfires. And most of us have been affected, if not directly, then indirectly. But right behind the waves of fire are waves of courage, kindness and resilience.

We have probably all asked, at this difficult time, “What can I do? How can I help?” And we are helping as we can, in our own different ways. But it’s also important that we don’t forget to be gentle and kind to ourselves. We must include ourselves in the circle of compassion.

To support this, the Buddhist Library invites you to a Community Loving Kindness Meditation practice. As a group, we will listen to recorded guided meditations, with a focus on Metta Bhavana practice (loving kindness). There will be time to come together for a cuppa and a chat, too.

The Library offers a welcoming space to everyone, whether this is your first meditation or it supports your regular practice. Please join us.

The Dana (donations) offered will go to support the extraordinary work of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

What is loving kindness meditation?

“Metta” is the Buddhist word for love – love that transcends national, religious and cultural barriers. And “Metta Bhavana” means the cultivation of metta, the cultivation of this kind of love. It is a practice that promotes healing and wholeness,

Loving kindness meditation helps us to develop positive emotions, and it has a more powerful and beneficial effect when practised in a group. This is a really positive thing we can do for ourselves, for each other, for all sentient beings.

The Buddha speaking on the advantages of loving kindness:

1. He sleeps in comfort. 2. He awakes in comfort. 3. He sees no evil dreams. 4. He is dear to human beings. 5. He is dear to non-human beings. 6. Devas (gods) protect him. 7. Fire, poison, and sword cannot touch him. 8. His mind can concentrate quickly. 9. His countenance is serene. 10. He dies without being confused in mind. 11. If he fails to attain arahantship (the highest sanctity) here and now, he will be reborn in the brahma-world.

From the Metta Sutta (Discourse on Advantages of Loving Kindness). For the full text, see Access to Insight https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an11/an11.016.piya.html

Dana is the traditional practice of generosity, the extending of one’s goodwill, which is fundamental to Buddhism and other spiritual traditions. The teachings flourish in an atmosphere of generosity and gratitude, and these qualities in turn support the growth of wisdom and compassion in the practitioner. It is up to individuals to determine the amount of dana they would like to offer. It can sometimes be easy to become confused when we are new to this and we wonder “how much should I give?” This is a relevant question in the material economy but an appropriate dana cannot be prescribed but requires sensitivity to its intent. You are welcome to ask for a receipt for your dana, which is tax deductible.