Living Kindness: Metta Practice for the Whole of Our Lives

A fresh look at the Buddhist principle of metta, or loving-kindness. Dharma teacher Kevin Griffin demonstrates that metta is not just a meditation practice-it’s a radical, selfless way of life based in wisdom, ethics, and compassion for all beings.

In Living Kindness, Kevin Griffin guides us through the stories of the Pali Canon of Buddhism to deepen our understanding of the brahmaviharas, or practices of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Appealing to the direct words of the Buddha, Griffin challenges us to consider that these practices are not just for developing positive states on the meditation cushion-they’re important aspects of living in community and caring for our world. Ultimately, to live kindness is to express the deepest Buddhist wisdom of selflessness and non-clinging.

Written in a personal and intimate tone, Living Kindness reads like words from one friend on the spiritual path to another. By unpacking the rich stories of the Pali Canon that often go underappreciated, Griffin transports us to the time of the Buddha, reveals the contemporary relevance of his teachings, and underscores the human dimension of what can seem like lofty philosophy.

With guided meditation practices on themes such as forgiveness, the preciousness of human birth, managing emotional attachment, and relating to the Greed, Hatred, and Delusion Report of news media, Living Kindness will appeal not only to Buddhist practitioners seeking traditional teachings, but to anyone who wants to grow in their capacity to love unconditionally in a troubled world.