Practice Period

Just Show Up Zen Spring Practice Period — Mettā

We began our most current practice period, devoted to the study and practice of mettā (loving-kindness, or good-will), on March 29. All are welcome to join in at any time. The practice period will last at least for the months of April and May, and perhaps longer. We will remain flexible and see where the practice is taking us and what we manage to cover. Various approaches to mettā meditation will be explored, including the commonly used phrases (e.g., May I be happy, may all beings be happy), radiating a felt sense in all directions, the use of imagery, and other forms derived from early Buddhist suttas. We will be reciting and studying the Buddha’s Discourse on Loving Kindness, as commented on by Buddhist scholar Andrew Olendzki. Resources for the practice period are hyperlinked below. The practice period is led by Bob Zeglovitch.

Weekly practice:  The core of the practice period will be our Friday morning sessions, which are conducted via Zoom from 7:30 am to 8:45 am Pacific Time.  These sessions will include Dharma talks, guided meditation, and discussion, in addition to time for meditation.. The dharma talks will be posted on our website if you would like to listen but cannot attend the session. Our blog page and readings page will be updated regularly with information about and reflections on mettā practice. Participants are also strongly encouraged to attend our shorter Zoom meditation on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:00 am Pacific Time.  

Fees:  This is a dana event: freely given.  Information on how to give dana is found on our Giving page.

If you plan to participate in the Practice Period (or if you have any questions or would like further information), please contact Bob Zeglovitch at yozeglo@gmail.com 

Resources (All Hyperlinked):

Discourse on Loving Kindness, from the Sutta Nipata, translated by Andrew Olendzki

Andrew OIendzki’s Study Guide to the Discourse on Loving Kindness (please note that each verse has its own page—you can navigate to each of the pages for each of the verses easily from this link)

Metta in other Suttas, Andrew Olendzki

21 translations of the Mettā Sutta

The Sublime Attitudes: A Study Guide to the Brahmaviharas, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (free e-book)

“When Goodwill is Better than Love: The Meaning of Metta”, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (article from Lion’s Roar)

Metta: The Philosophy and Practice of Universal Love, Acharaya Buddharakkhita (from Access to Insight)

Guided Meditation on Radiating Mettā Practice, by Ayya Anandabodhi, from Dharma Seed (37 minutes)

Guided Mettā for Oneself, Benefactor, Dear Friend, Neutral Person and Difficult Person, by Kamala Masters (45 minutes