Ajahn Sona and The Buddha

I am buoyed up by Ajahn Sona’s explanations of metta. One of the things that I really enjoy about his teachings is that he often references the direct teachings of The Buddha. The idea that what he is teaching and commenting on is the direct teaching that was taught 2500 years ago by the near legendary Buddha is powerfully inspiring. Now, the most inspiring thing, recently, is the teaching that one is allowed to be ambitious in one’s broadcast of metta. “Go for the complete 40 acres” is Ajahn Sona’s advice. I take this as meaning that I can actually have the goal, in a single session, or radiating metta to every last sentient being, seen and unseen. Not one needs to be excluded. The radiation can be universal. There is enormous power in such a practice, particularly in the radiation aspect of it. Moreover, I get to use every last visualization trick in the book. Now, a conviction comes over me every time I come to the park, and sit and write in the sunlight. It is the conviction that a much more radical and energetic practice of metta is possible. On the other hand, when I step back into the familiar prison of habits, triggered by my apartment, I lose this vision from the morning.

I have thus far “thrown the book” at this problem of habit. It hasn’t fully moved me - not yet, and not to the extent that I can skillfully use. It seems to me that a clear and “compelling” memory of the aspirations of my highest self are required in order to get things moving. Moreover, it may be wise to jettison the energy of regret in order to make some serious progress. Ajahn Sona is very clear that only good can come out of the practice of metta. There is value to fully embodying this skillful mental state.