"By practicing mettā we become better
people," it might sound like the
slogan for the Mettā meditation that was held at Lotus Centre in Prague during
the weekend of 27 and 28th October this
year. A group of us gathered there to
spend time by meditating and opening our hearts.
The event was held under the auspices of the
Czech nun, Venerable Bhikkhuni Visuddhi
who has been living in the Czech Republic for several years and founded the Karunā Sevena Group.
At the
beginning we took the refuge vows and
the 5 precepts of the Buddha and decided to spend this day by practicing as
much virtuous behaviour as possible.
Venerable
Visuddhi‘s Dhamma talk emphasized how the practice of mettā is important for us
in our lives. What it offers us and how enormously it can heal the body and spirit. When Ven.Visuddhi asked us what mettā means,
there were responses such as: love, kindness and compassion. It is important
to wish good towards all people and animals, regardless of whether they are bad or good. It is love
that does not judge and we are all born with that quality. We can even achieve nibbāna,
when we practice mettā because our mind gradually
rids itself of all defilements.
During the weekend participants could meet and talk to Venerable Visuddhi
about problems they experience in meditation practice or in personal life. There
were also concerned queries directed to Venerable about how to grasp mettā meditation as an object. This can not be
answered, as we usually perceive it as a feeling in the body and it is very
individual. We can fully recognize it in
everyday life.
It was truly delightful that the course was attended by especially
many young people... does it mean there is a growing interest in Buddhism amongst
young people ?
S.Fišerová
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