LOVING KINDNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Loving kindness, also commonly referred to as metta in Buddhism, is a profound concept rooted in compassion and benevolence. It signifies an attitude or disposition of unconditional love and care towards all beings, whether they are familiar or strangers, friends or enemies.
The term loving kindness encompasses a genuine concern for the well-being and happiness of others, as well as a genuine desire to alleviate their suffering. It embodies an attitude of empathy and understanding, promoting acts of kindness and goodwill without any expectation of reciprocation or personal gain.
Loving kindness emphasizes the importance of cultivating a compassionate heart, nurturing a sense of interconnectedness and interdependence among all living beings. It encourages one to extend loving-kindness not only to those who are close and dear but also to the entire global community.
Practicing loving kindness often involves specific meditative practices aimed at developing and cultivating a loving and compassionate attitude. Through these practices, individuals learn to overcome negative emotions and tendencies such as anger, hatred, and resentment, replacing them with feelings of empathy, forgiveness, and genuine love.
Ultimately, embracing the concept of loving kindness leads to the creation of harmonious relationships, a more peaceful society, and a deeper sense of personal fulfillment. It is a powerful force that transcends boundaries and fosters unity and understanding among diverse individuals and cultures.
Etymology of LOVING KINDNESS
The term "loving-kindness" is often used to refer to the concept of benevolence, compassion, or unconditional love. Its etymology can be traced back to ancient Hebrew and Greek languages.
In Hebrew, the word for "loving-kindness" is "chesed" (חֶסֶד). It is derived from the Hebrew root word "chasad", which means "to show kindness" or "to be merciful". In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), "chesed" is often associated with God's steadfast love and mercy towards humanity.
In Greek, the word for "loving-kindness" is "philanthropia" (φιλανθρωπία). It is a combination of two Greek words: "philia" (love) and "anthropos" (human).
Similar spelling word for LOVING KINDNESS
