For some time I have been practicing the Dhammasukha method of metta (that taught by Ven. Vimalaramsi and SIster Khema) and, as is the case wiuth any method, I have encountered some dry spells. Noticing the resistance has helped but what I realized this morning for the first time was that simply calling up memories of songs that I associate with happiness and good times worked well to invoke an upsurge of positive feelings.
Now, I don’t know exactly how kosher this is but I did once speak with a bhikkhu who recommended the use of music to lay people for precisely this reason. I even went so far as to compile a list of songs that I imagined would be conducive or evocative of feelings of metta but for some reason I never got it quite right. I think the problem may have been that I started looking for the songs in the head when I should have allowed the heart to lead the way.
Digressions aside, I do believe that using these recollections of happiness accords well with the instructions which are to call to mind feelings of happiness and make those the object of the meditation for as long as possible turning to the words or metta phrases only when the feeling begins to fade. I have been planning to write a letter to Ven. Thanissaro on the subject of metta for some time so I hope I remember to get some clarification on just this point. Bhavatu sabba mangalam!
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Dhamma Greetings,
haha, I really understand that. Sounds like me. From time to time I also want to add or remove something from Buddha Dhamma according to my personal actual understanding. What really was helpful for me was to stay with one teacher and not mixing it up.
I also had great difficulties developing Metta. More than two years I struggled with that. Now, my problem was, that I was not so well prepared for meditation. I really lacked generosity. Changing that really helped to open my heart. Now it’s more easy to develop a loving-accepting and loving-kind mindset for daily life and feelings for meditation. Also third sila was problematical. But that’s my case only.
the instructions which are to call to mind feelings of happiness and make those the object of the meditation for as long as possible turning to the words or metta phrases only when the feeling begins to fade.
As far a s I understood, it’s more important to return whenever mind’s attention slips. Being able to stay longer with the object will be the result of the training and cannot be forced or determined. Again, patience is the highest virtue.DropS. Don’t resist or push. Soften 🙂
Metta, peace & best wishes,
impatient Mirco
By: ablogreader on 05/07/2012
at 12:24 pm
good
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at 3:08 am
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