World Day of Metta 2023: World Day of Metta occurs annually on March 22. This is a time to reflect on affection and acceptance for oneself and others, as well as to take a moment of quiet reflection. Metta is a Buddhist principle that encourages all individuals to practise unconditional compassion and goodwill towards all beings in the universe. The organisers of this holiday request that everyone contemplate, meditate, or pray in order to offer Metta to all living beings on Earth. Regardless of your religious beliefs, use this day to reflect on the transformative force of love.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF METTA
The term ‘Metta’ refers to beneficence and affection for all other sentient things. The World Day of Metta encourages individuals from all walks of life to practise Metta Meditation from noon to 2 p.m. local time on this day. Some people use the time to engage in silent meditation, while others feel compelled to put this generosity into practise with others.
Buddhism’s mythology provides insight into the origins of Metta. 500 priests reportedly popularised the concept by settling in a forest for a rain retreat. The monks felt unwelcome and unwanted by the spirits of the forest and eventually returned to Buddha, explaining their anxiety and pleading with him not to force them to return. Before sending them back, Buddha taught them to meditate with an open mind and heart, to be welcoming and cordial. When the monks returned with the new Metta teaching, they discovered that the spirits now welcomed them. The monks then proceeded to develop their beliefs and practises in accordance with the Metta principle.
It is essential to keep in mind that Metta is meant to be a daily practise and not just a symbolic word of faith. Metta involves not only learning to love all other beings but also to embrace them regardless of whether you know them. The principle necessitates unconditional affection and acceptance. This involves encouraging individuals to reflect on what it means to love everyone without prejudice or conditions and to challenge themselves to learn how to do so. Metta is a positive ideal to embody in your life, regardless of how other people choose to implement it.
Daffodil Day 2023: History, Date, Importance, Cancer Treatment Facts
Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army 2023: Date and Importance
World Cloud Security Day 2023: Date, History and Tips to Operate Cloud
American Red Cross Giving Day 2023: Date, History, Observance
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD DAY OF METTA
Show compassion and affection
The purpose of World Day of Metta is to familiarise oneself and others with the Metta principle. Therefore, do what you can to be more tolerant and loving of those around you.
Engage in reflective activity
Consider why you find it difficult to open your heart and intellect to the world. Do not hesitate to obtain professional assistance.
Exercise self-love
Metta is about compassion and acceptance without conditions for all living things. That includes you, so show yourself some compassion.
5 FACTS ABOUT BUDDHISM
Buddha was a royal.
Buddha was born as a monarch who was destined to inherit his mother’s throne and his father’s position as chieftain.
No deity in Buddhism
Buddhism is a nontheistic religion, which means there is no deity worshipped and Buddha was viewed as a teacher, not a god, by his adherents.
Buddha is not an individual but a state.
As the term Buddha refers to a person who has attained enlightenment, it is not limited to a single individual.
There is no existence after death
Buddhism is one of the few religions that does not believe in suffering or atonement after death; only the present is guaranteed.
There is no central Buddhism
There is no central authority in Buddhism; all temples are autonomous and derive from various Buddhist sects.
WHY WORLD DAY OF METTA IS IMPORTANT
It has cultural ties
The holiday encourages individuals to investigate cultures other than their own. Therefore, broaden your horizons and discover how others live.
The globe requires more compassion
Given the current state of the world, we must cultivate as much compassion and acceptance as possible. It seeks to foster a kinder world, which is quite remarkable.
It encourages expansion.
The Metta principles may appear difficult and unreasonable, but they are well worth the effort. They teach us empathy and comprehension with the intent of making us better individuals.
WORLD DAY OF METTA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 22 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 22 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 22 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 22 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 22 | Monday |
