think like this: “May all creatures be happy and safe,
May they all have happy minds.
Whatever living things there are –
whether feeble or strong,
long or short, whether stout
or of medium size, whether quick or green,
whether big or little, whether seen or unseen
whether those living near or far away,
or those being born as well as those
only seeking to be born –
may all these beings be happy,
may they all have happy minds.
Let no being deceive another
Let none despise others
nor wish harm, in anger or with hatred,
upon another.
Just as a mother protects her only child
with her entire will and being
so let us each cultivate a boundless friendliness and love
toward all living things
Let each of us radiate limitless love
toward everything in the world:
above, below, beside, and across – unhindered
with no ill will or enmity."
Do this whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down:
develop this attitude!: this is how to live nobly.
Let each of us not fall into useless thoughts
but be virtuous -- and be endowed with an insightful heart,
and discard the lust for satisfaction
so that we may never again come
to be born into pain.
—"Karaniya *Metta Sutta," or "Sermon [Hymn] on Lovingkindness," by Siddhatta Gotama, the historical Buddha (translation/compilation by GG, based on original and translations by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Ñanamoli Thera, the Amaravati Sangha, Piyadassi Thera, and Acharya Buddharakkhita),
* ["Metta" is a Pali word meaning "lovingkindness." It is an attitude of mind that can be cultivated through an activity called "metta bhavana." "Bhavana" stems from the root "bhav" -- "to grow" or "to become" -- and can be translated as "cultivation." Metta, according to the teachings of Siddhatta Gotama, the most recent Buddha, is one of the "divine abidings," one, that is, of the four most supremely satisfying and wholesome states of mind a sentient being can achieve. To cultivate metta, one holds an attitude of friendliness and good will toward all things.
Metta directed at others or oneself can be felt across time and space.]