Maitri means self loving kindness that radiates out to others. Maitri is a Sanskrit word and the Pali version or equivalent is Metta. For a Buddhist maitri is love in it’s most authentic and pure form.
Maitri is the first of the four sublime states or virtues which are Loving-kindness (maitri or metta), Compassion (karuna), Sympathetic Joy (mudita) and Equanimity (upekkha). Maitri is ideal for every single day of the year, yet there is something poetic about sharing maitri on Valentine’s Day – a day that focuses around loving only one person which is a very limited form of love. It’s not a negative, per say, but to practice maitri means that you radiate love out to everyone, including yourself and isn’t that what love is truly all about?!
Maitri is pure, authentic love that radiates out to everyone including yourself!
Each relationship is unique and the love that flows to each is just as unique. Maitri celebrates that love and allows for it all to flow and radiate out, encompassing all beings, including yourself, and all of it with kindness, compassion, goodwill and love. How utterly divine is that!
Namaste ~ Ella
*Check out the Word Nerd Index and my Word Nerd Pinterest Board for other superb words!
** If there’s a word you’d like to see added to the Word Nerd roster, please feel free to contact me or suggest it in the comments – I love feedback and recommendations!
Lawhimsy 