07 Feb 2024
Mātā yathā niyaṃputtam āyusā ekaputtamanurakkhe; Evampi sabbabhūtesu, Mānasaṃbhāva ye aparimāṇaṃ
Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, may this protection affect all beings on an equal footing.
Source: https://puredhamma.net/bhavana-meditation/karaniya-metta-sutta-metta-bhavana/, Accessed 07 Feb 24
There are many discussions of what this text means. One brief example can be found here. It is not my goal to discuss possible nuances of meaning. There are plenty who are willing to dedicate their efforts to such.
Favouring Our Closest Loved Ones
What I do want to discuss, besides for the obvious respect for all beings (which led me to veganism), is our focus on those closest to us. We generally think it is appropriate to favour those who love - to give them priority in all things. Some would argue that this is genetic (in relation to our children) and wired into us (in relation to our tribe). Besides for possible genetic and historical reasons, from a practical perspective it could be argued that we should prioritise our closest as they will be the ones to protect us, should the need arise.
Discrimination in Buddhism
I would suggest that this process of discrimination is part of what the Buddha saw as being wrong with the world. We label things, finding ourselves attracted to some things and repulsed by others. This process of discrimination leads to much suffering, as we spend our time trying to gather up - grasp - the things we want and avoid the things we do not.
Attempting to Protect Ourselves
We will lose all of our loved ones, if we live long enough. If we valued all beings equally, this would not be the case - we would always be surrounded by loved ones. I am not suggesting this is an easy path, but simply considering possibilities.
Yes, our loved ones can be a source of comfort when we are struggling, but they can also be a source of great suffering when they neglect or discard us. What we attempt to gather around ourselves as a source of comfort, can be the cause of the greatest suffering. Some would suggest that this is unavoidable, but the Buddha would not agree.
Protecting and Loving all Beings Equally
Not only should we value all beings - including protecting them - but we should attempt to develop a heart which loves all equally. This is one of my favourite quotes because it not only promotes the respect of all beings, but the equal respect of all beings. Also, if we love all equally, there is no argument for exploiting and consuming any other sentient being.
Loving-kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation starts with ourselves and radiates out, in an attempt to create in us love for all - expanding our love to all beings.
May all beings know peace,
May all beings know joy,
May all beings know love!
Rethinking Love
While it may take effort to love all equally, it takes little effort to love all enough to want to end the suffering for which you are responsible. Every meal is an act of love, when you decide not to be responsible for the suffering of others. Every meal is an act of worship, when you remove suffering from your plate. Your first act of love - for yourself and others - is what you take into your body.
Aroha nui,
Lee Sturgis
leesturgis.eth
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