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On March 22, we celebrate World Day of Metta – a day dedicated to spreading love, kindness, and compassion to all beings. "Metta" is a Pali word that means loving-kindness and this holiday is rooted in Buddhist tradition. It's a reminder for us to practice empathy, understanding, and unconditional love towards ourselves and others. So let's take some time on this special day to spread joy and positivity, not just within our own circles but also in the world around us. After all, a little bit of metta can go a long way!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>6th Century BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Metta</div><div class='timeline-text'>The practice of Metta or loving-kindness originates in Buddhist teachings dating back to the 6th Century BC.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Spread of Buddhism to the West</div><div class='timeline-text'>Buddhism, and its concepts like metta, spread to western countries such as the United States during the mid-20th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishing Metta Meditation Centers</div><div class='timeline-text'>Metta-based meditation centers began being established in countries outside of Asia, increasing the global practice of metta.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Metta Goes Mainstream</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major spiritual teachers, like Jack Kornfield, began publishing books on metta meditation, bringing it into mainstream consciousness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Day of Metta Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Day of Metta, dedicated to the practice of loving-kindness, is established and celebrated for the first time on March 22.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebration of Metta</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, people around the world observe World Day of Metta spreading love, kindness and compassion.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread kindness with random acts of kindness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On World Day of Metta, make it a goal to spread kindness and love through random acts of kindness. Buy a stranger's coffee, leave a positive note for someone to find, or volunteer at a local charity - the possibilities are endless.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a meditation session</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Metta is often associated with meditation and cultivating loving-kindness. Host a meditation session with friends and family, focusing on sending loving thoughts and well wishes to yourself and others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Metta-themed event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search for local events or workshops centered around Metta and join in on the celebration. This could include yoga classes, workshops on compassion, or even a community service project.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Metta collage</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather magazines, newspapers, and other materials and create a collage that represents Metta to you. Display it in your home as a reminder to spread love and kindness every day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters of gratitude</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write letters of gratitude to those who have shown you love and kindness in your life. This is a great way to spread Metta and show appreciation for the people in your life.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes peace and harmony</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Day of Metta, also known as World Loving-Kindness Day, encourages people to show love and compassion towards others. This helps promote peace and harmony in a world that is often filled with conflict and division.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings awareness to the concept of Metta</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Metta is a Pali word meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, and goodwill towards all beings. By celebrating World Day of Metta, we can raise awareness about this important concept and how practicing it can have a positive impact on our lives and those around us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages self-care and mindfulness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In order to show kindness and love towards others, it's important to take care of ourselves first. World Day of Metta promotes self-care and mindfulness practices, reminding us to be kind to ourselves as well as to others.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Metta" Transcends Beyond Human Beings</h3><p class='facts-content'>In traditional practice, Metta is extended not just to fellow human beings, but to all living creatures, reinforcing the interconnectedness of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Metta" is Often Practiced as a Form of Meditation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Metta is not only a principle but it is often practiced specifically in Metta Meditation or Loving-kindness Meditation, where practitioners focus on developing feelings of goodwill and kindness towards others.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Metta is One of the Four Sublime States</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Buddhism, Metta is one of the Brahma-Viharas, or "Four Sublime States", alongside compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Metta" has a Protective Aspect</h3><p class='facts-content'>In ancient texts, the practice of Metta has been said to have a protective aspect along with the transformational aspect of cultivating positivity. Practitioners sometimes chant Metta Suttas for protection.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World Day of Metta is Unversally Inclusive</h3><p class='facts-content'>The World Day of Metta encourages people of all races, religions and cultures to participate, making it a universally inclusive occasion.</p></div></div>
World Day of Metta is celebrated on March 22 every year. In 2024 World Day of Metta will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 22
Wednesday
2024
Mar 22
Friday
2025
Mar 22
Saturday
2026
Mar 22
Sunday
2027
Mar 22
Monday
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