Maitrī

Maitri is an ancient Sanskrit term used to describe a specific state of mind. It refers to benevolence, loving-kindness, and active interest in others. In English, scholars often translate the term as "loving-kindness." The concept is not just a feeling, but a way of being friendly and showing goodwill. This idea is central to several major Indian traditions. It appears in the Upanishads, Jain Sutras, and various Buddhist Suttas. For many, maitri is a tool used to transform how one relates to the entire world.

In the Buddhist tradition, maitri is often practiced through a specific type of meditation. This is known as loving-kindness meditation. The practice involves the silent repetition of certain phrases. A practitioner might say, "may you be happy" or "may you be free from suffering." There are two main ways people approach this. Some focus on compassion, which is the wish to relieve a being from suffering. Others focus on loving-kindness, which is the sincere wish for a being to experience happiness. This practice is intended to remove clinging to negative mental states.

Meditation on maitri follows a structured progression to increase its difficulty. A practitioner does not start with the whole world at once. Instead, they begin by targeting themselves. Once they have cultivated kindness toward themselves, they move to loved ones. The next stage involves sending kindness to neutral people. After that, the practitioner directs these feelings toward difficult people. The final and most expansive stage is to extend this kindness to all beings everywhere. This helps the mind move away from its "far enemy," which is hate or ill-will.

It is also important to distinguish maitri from its "near enemy." A near enemy is a quality that looks like a virtue but is actually different. In this case, the near enemy is attachment or greed. A person might feel a sense of liking while meditating, but if they are doing it for the wrong reasons, it is not true maitri. True benevolence is a sincere wish for the happiness of others. It is described as an antidote to fear and hatred. By practicing this, a person seeks to conquer anger with kindness and evil with good.

History shows that these ideas existed long before the Buddha. Many ancient Indian sages taught virtues like loving-kindness and compassion. Some Buddhist texts suggest these sages were earlier incarnations of the Buddha. These same virtues appear in Hindu texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. They are also found in the early Sutras of Jainism. The Tattvartha Sutra in Jainism mentions four right sentiments, including maitri. Scholars note that the Buddha did not claim these ideas were his own unique inventions.

There are many complex ways to direct this benevolence in formal practice. The Paṭisambhidāmagga describes twenty-two different ways to radiate this kindness. This includes "unspecified pervasion," where kindness is sent to all beings or all creatures. It also includes "specified pervasion," where it is directed at specific groups. These groups can include men, women, deities, or even those in lower realms. Practitioners can also use "directional pervasion." This involves sending kindness to the east, west, north, and south. They also send it to the intermediate directions, as well as upward and downward.

Some Buddhist discourses describe the results of this practice in great detail. For example, the Subha Sutta describes a path to the company of Brahmā. A person achieves this by pervading the entire world with a mind imbued with benevolence. This mind is described as being abundant, exalted, and immeasurable. The text compares this to a vigorous trumpeter whose voice reaches all four quarters. Such a person is said to be without hostility or ill will. This state of mind is considered a way to achieve a higher rebirth.

Beyond spiritual goals, many believe maitri offers practical daily benefits. According to the Pāli canon, practitioners may sleep more easily and wake easily. They might also avoid evil dreams and find that they are dear to other humans. Even non-human beings and devas are said to protect such a person. The practice is also believed to help the mind gain concentration quickly. Finally, it is said to result in a bright complexion and a peaceful death. While some modern scientists have studied these effects, they continue to examine the quality of the research.