Mettā

Mettā—translated from Pāli language means loving-kindness. It is one of the four sublime states known as the Brahmavihāras in Buddhist tradition. Alongside compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā), Mettā is cultivated to develop boundless goodwill towards all beings. These practices are foundational in Buddhism, aiming to purify the mind and foster deep connections with others .

For years, Mettā has been an integral part of my inner journey, influencing how I perceive the world. Over time, I began to see reflections of this loving-kindness in the world around me—in the trees, the serenity of a quiet mornings, or the resilience of a flower blooming through concrete. These moments felt like visual manifestations of Metta. I don’t see myself as the creator of these images but rather as a conduit, capturing and sharing these glimpses of universal compassion through my lens.

Here is a selection of photos together with messages of mettā.

"May your life be filled with joy."

“May you know your power."

“May you find your one.”

"May you escape the worst sorrows in life."

"May you help the ones who cannot help themselves."

"May you cultivate a wise heart."

"May the fruits of your labor be sweet, and may you get to share them with others."

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I have learned that the best way to learn about mettā is to practice it.

Here are two great teaches Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield thanks to whom I found mettā practice:

Tara Brach: https://youtu.be/zhiHCU2CpB0?si=F7Ard-ond9JgHp32

Jack Kornfield: https://youtu.be/aPiaLnWi6lM?si=ppR5WkjvQNGUuQ3d