The Universal Loving-kindness Maitri Mantra is a sacred invocation for cultivating boundless goodwill and compassion toward all beings. While the term 'maitri' (Pali: metta) is most famously associated with the Buddhist Metta Sutta (Sutta Nipata 1.8), its roots extend into the Vedic and Hindu traditions. In the Rigveda (10.90), the Purusha Sukta speaks of the universal interconnectedness of all life, which underlies the spirit of maitri. The mantra is often chanted as 'Sabbe satta sukhi hontu' (May all beings be happy), a phrase that appears in the Metta Sutta and is echoed in later Hindu texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1.33), where maitri is prescribed as a practice for cultivating a peaceful mind. The beej-akshara (seed syllable) 'Maim' is sometimes used to invoke the energy of loving-kindness, resonating with the heart chakra (anahata). The traditional purpose of this mantra is to dissolve hatred, jealousy, and fear, replacing them with unconditional love. It is recommended to be chanted 108 times daily, preferably at dawn or dusk, in a quiet setting with a calm mind. The practitioner visualizes sending loving-kindness first to oneself, then to loved ones, acquaintances, strangers, and finally to all beings without exception. According to the Metta Sutta, this practice leads to peaceful sleep, pleasant dreams, and a serene death. In the Hindu context, the Devi Mahatmya (Chapter 11) describes the goddess as the embodiment of universal compassion, aligning with the maitri ideal. No specific cautions are necessary, but the mantra should be chanted with sincere intention and not as a mechanical repetition. It is a universal practice, suitable for all, regardless of tradition.
Maitri, universal loving-kindness, the love that wishes well to all.