Description
The pali word metta is translated as benevolence, friendliness, or loving kindness. It describes a sincere and heartfelt wish for the peace, well-being, and happiness of oneself and others. Metta is not a feeling; it is an intention that can be developed and sustained. Each of us has the capacity to strengthen this quality, already within us. In cultivating metta, we come to experience the universal kindness that rests at the core of our being.
The Buddha taught metta as a specific antidote to fear and anger. It is an invaluable practice during unexpected changes in life. In times of uncertainty and pain, metta practice helps us to work with habitual patterns such as anxiety and doubt. The fruit of the systematic practice of metta is twofold: steadiness and tranquility which strengthen the mind, and sensitivity and openness which soften the heart.
The first of the four beautiful states of mind (known in pali as the brahma vihārās), metta is a way to cultivate a friendly heart in the midst of fear and aversion. The four brahma vihārās can be cultivated together to develop a balanced and graceful way of responding to oneself and others with kindness and compassion.
Join this half-day retreat to explore ways to encourage and cultivate boundless benevolence with guidance from CIMC’s Guiding Teacher, Narayan Helen Liebenson.
This is part of a series of half-day retreats. Each retreat stands alone, but taken together they may illuminate the breadth, depth, and transformative potential of the Buddhist path. You may attend one, some, or all:
- 2/21 Inquiry (online)
- 7/31 Boundless Benevolence (online)
- 10/16 Joy (online)
- 10/17 Inner Balance (hybrid)
All are warmly welcome.
Attending an online retreat
- Sitting a retreat at home and online is undoubtedly different from coming to a meditation center. Tending to your comfort and giving yourself a quiet, private sitting and walking space (if possible, in your environment) will help keep your attention focused and support your practice and learning. Plan to bring as much simplicity and ease to your day as possible. The retreat schedule is structured to support your well-being and training with regular breaks and time for mindful movement.
- We will use Zoom for this retreat. Before your retreat begins, be sure to download Zoom and familiarize yourself with using the program, including the chat feature. Specifics about how we will use Zoom during your retreat will be covered initially; however, we cannot provide technical support.
- We ask that you treat our virtual meditation hall as if we were together in person, in the same room. The teachers and other yogis benefit significantly from your full presence and careful attention.
- Join each session of the retreat a few minutes early. This will support the teachers and your fellow retreatants.
- Please maintain noble silence as much as possible for the duration of the retreat and take any necessary steps to limit external distractions such as incoming emails, texts, or other interruptions to maintain the integrity of our practice together.
- Close all programs on your computer other than Zoom and turn off all notifications on your devices.
- Ideally, power off phones and smartwatches for the entire time scheduled for the retreat each day. Please don’t check your devices during breaks. We suggest you put an “away” message on your email and voicemail and leave your devices in another room during your retreat hours.
- Please keep your video on during our time together as much as possible. This supports a sense of connectedness and sangha.
- You will receive a welcome email from CIMC that includes the Zoom link, retreat schedule, and further information a day or two before your retreat.