Kindness for One and All

When you live in fear and suspicion, anger and resentment, then you feel victimised, as though the world is out to get you. The feelings you send out is what get reflected back to you. On the other hand, when you radiate loving kindness, trust, care and compassion, these are what you will also receive in return. The following Buddhist prayer on metta, loving kindness, is altruistic:

May you be happy.

May you be well.


May you be safe.

May you live with ease.

Chanting this prayer exudes happiness, wellness, safety and contentment, peace and harmony. When you wish everyone well - whether they are nice to you or not - you will only create ripples of kindness that are bound to touch those around you. And the ripples impact you as well, making you feel good.

'Loka samasta sukino bhavantu' is an oft-repeated chant or prayer among Hindus, wishing everyone well. The Sanskrit chant means, 'May everyone in the world be content/happy.' The prayer has deep meaning that reveals the interconnectedness of all beings.

By wishing everyone and all beings happiness, it follows that the person making the wish will also end up being happy since our lives are intertwined. It is not possible to be joyful and at peace when those around you are suffering or are unhappy.

You could say that wishing everyone well is an exercise in enlightened self-interest. Whether the prayer is for the well-being of a group, community, the universe or an individual, ultimately, the one who wishes the other well, will also benefit.