General discussion of issues related to Theravada Meditation, e.g. meditation postures, developing a regular sitting practice, skillfully relating to difficulties and hindrances, etc.
by befriend » Sun Nov 06, 2011 3:11 pm
is there a term for someone who practices metta?
stay in the present moment.
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befriend
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by retrofuturist » Sun Nov 06, 2011 11:18 pm
Greetings,
befriend wrote:is there a term for someone who practices metta?
A Buddhist?
(That might seem like a trite response, but I think it's important to realise the Buddha promoted metta-cultivation for everyone, not just those who decide "OK, I
do metta".)
Metta,
Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding:
Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)'We should not congratulate someone on the success of their misdeeds, but on the contrary should endeavour to advise him or her to lead a more skilful and wholesome life. If such advice is ignored then we can only give up and let go' - Phra PanyapatipoDharma Wheel (Mahayana / Vajrayana forum)
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retrofuturist
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by Jhana4 » Mon Nov 07, 2011 12:24 am
How about just a "meditator"?
In reading the scriptures, there are two kinds of mistakes:
One mistake is to cling to the literal text and miss the inner principles.
The second mistake is to recognize the principles but not apply them to your own mind, so that you waste time and just make them into causes of entanglement.
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Jhana4
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by retrofuturist » Mon Nov 07, 2011 12:28 am
Greetings Jhana4,
Jhana4 wrote:How about just a "meditator"?
Why even restrict it thusly? Particularly in traditional Buddhist countries, I envisage there are many people who cultivate loving-kindness through their daily activities (incl. merit-making) who do not regard themselves as partaking in "meditation".
Metta,
Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding:
Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)'We should not congratulate someone on the success of their misdeeds, but on the contrary should endeavour to advise him or her to lead a more skilful and wholesome life. If such advice is ignored then we can only give up and let go' - Phra PanyapatipoDharma Wheel (Mahayana / Vajrayana forum)
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retrofuturist
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by manas » Mon Nov 07, 2011 1:01 am
Hi befriend,
Well I initially came up with 'unconditional lover', but that sends out the wrong message, methinks...
But seriously, befriend, I think all we can do, if we wish, is just add the term 'practitioner' to whatever we do, if we want to call ourselves something...'anapanasati practitioner'...'metta-bhanava practitioner'...etc
anyway - peace - and metta, to all -

When this is, that is.
From the arising of this comes the arising of that.
When this isn't, that isn't.
From the cessation of this comes the cessation of that.
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manas
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by bodom » Mon Nov 07, 2011 2:02 am
Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened. When you sit, let it be. What you walk, let it be. Grasp at nothing. Resist nothing. - Ajahn Chah
Do not be a bodhisattva, do not be an arahant, do not be anything at all. If you are a bodhisattva, you will suffer, if you are an arahant, you will suffer, if you are anything at all, you will suffer. - Ajahn Chah

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bodom
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by chownah » Mon Nov 07, 2011 4:40 am
befriend wrote:is there a term for someone who practices metta?
One who is bound for release?
chownah
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by dhammapal » Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:59 am
If you die whilst in metta-jhana you get reborn as a Brahma.
With metta / dhammapal.
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by Beneath the Wheel » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:56 pm
Jhana4 wrote:How about just a "meditator"?
mettatator.
But in seriousness, it seems like I have seen them referred to as "yogi" when a sutta is discussing someone who is pursuing any kind of meditation, not just metta.But that may be too broad a term for what you are looking for.
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Beneath the Wheel
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by ground » Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:13 am
befriend wrote:is there a term for someone who practices metta?
If it's the exclusive contemplative practice then "one who practices the worldly path".
Kind regards
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ground
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by sattva » Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:30 pm
Beneath the Wheel wrote:Jhana4 wrote:How about just a "meditator"?
mettatator.
But in seriousness, it seems like I have seen them referred to as "yogi" when a sutta is discussing someone who is pursuing any kind of meditation, not just metta.But that may be too broad a term for what you are looking for.
Actually, Beneath the Wheel, i somehow missed your reply and started to say mettatator also. Silly, I know, but why not create a new word if it fits?
Wishing: In gladness and in safety,
May all beings be at ease.
---from the Metta Sutta
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