Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upeksha are four qualities or states of mind that are cultivated in the practice of Buddhist meditation.
Metta, also known as loving-kindness, is the practice of developing a feeling of unconditional love and well-wishing towards oneself and others.
Karuna, or compassion, is the practice of feeling and expressing concern for the suffering of oneself and others, and a desire to alleviate that suffering.
Mudita, or sympathetic joy, is the practice of finding joy in the happiness and success of others, rather than feeling jealousy or envy.
Upeksha, or equanimity, is the practice of cultivating a calm and balanced mind, even in the face of difficult or challenging circumstances.
These four qualities are often practiced together as part of a formal meditation called the Metta Bhavana, or “cultivation of loving-kindness.” The practice involves silently repeating phrases of well-wishing and love to oneself and others, with the goal of cultivating these positive states of mind and promoting feelings of connection and compassion towards all beings.
