“Metta” is shorthand for the Buddhist practice of compassion, in which we send peaceful intentions—sometimes known as “lovingkindness”—to ourselves, to our loved ones, and even further out into the world.
Here is a short, sweet version of the prayer:
Metta Prayer
May all beings be peaceful.
May all beings be happy.
May all beings be safe.
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature.
May all beings be free.
Try it when you are feeling most peaceful; share some of that feeling with the world.
Then, try it when you are feeling most agitated, and share some of the peaceful feeling with yourself.
You can find the full version of “The Great Peace Prayer of Buddha”, in many different translations, online.
Also see the works of Pema Chodron and Sharon Salzberg, both North American Buddhist teachers, for more information.
May you awaken to the light of your true nature.
-Stephanie
