An Analytical Study of the Value of Mettã in the Suvanฺnฺasãma Jãtaka

Abstract

          In this research, three objectives were purposely made: 1) to study mettã pãramĩ (the perfections of loving-kindness) in Buddhist scriptures, 2) to study the cultivation of mettã pãramĩ in the Suvanฺnฺasãma Jãtaka, and 3) to analyze the value of mettã in the Suvanฺnฺasãma Jãtaka. The study employed a documentary research method done by examining Buddhist scriptures and then the descriptive analysis was made accordingly.

          The study found that mettã in Buddhist scriptures basically refers to loving-kindness, friendliness, and goodwill towards others and all sentient beings for happiness and prosperity. The development of mettã involves avoiding unwholesomeness and promoting wholesomeness to benefit practitioners and acquire enlightenment knowledge (bodhiñana). This enlightenment knowledge is divided into three levels: (1) the cultivation of mettã pãramĩ referring to the dedication of one’s wealth and servants, (2) the cultivation of mettã upapãramĩ referring to superior perfections by dedicating organs in one’s body, and (3) the cultivation of mettã paramatthapãramĩ referring to supreme perfections by devoting one’s life. Those who practice loving-kindness receive the following benefits: (1) peaceful sleep, (2) joyful awakenings, (3) no nightmares, (4) being loved by all human beings, (5) being beloved by all nonhuman beings, (6) being protected by all deities, (7) being safe from fire, poisons, and weapons, (8) having a concentrated mind, (9) having a bright face, (10) being mindful, and 11) attaining the Brahma world. The cultivation of mettã in the Suvanฺnฺasãma Jãtaka has begun since he was born as Bodhisatta Suvanฺnฺasãma where he recalled that parents were the creator of children, thus he treated them with affection and kindness in order to make their parents happy. Suvanฺnฺasãma still showed his loving-kindness and forgiveness to King Piliyakkha despite being wounded by a poisoned arrow that entered his right body and exited on the left side. Despite pain and blood spurting from his mouth, Suvanฺnฺasãma delivered the stanzas of loving-kindness to the King. In order to cultivate mettã toward animals, the environment, forests, and rivers, one must refrain from taking advantage of them, harming, destroying, and instead must preserve and protect them. According to the Suvanฺnฺasãma Jãtaka, mettã corresponds to value such as modesty, loving-kindness, forgiveness, patience, goodwill, and the cessation of vengeance. All of this will eventually lead to the way, fruition, and Nibbãna.