Buddhaghosa, author of The Path of Purification, tells us that when our meditation begins to bear fruit, we will recognize in ourselves these signs of a loving mind: (1) our sleep is more relaxed, (2) we do not have nightmares, (3) our waking state is more at ease, (4) we are not anxious or depressed, and (5) we are loved and protected by everyone and everything around us.
In the Anguttara Nikaya, the Buddha mentions eleven advantages of practicing love meditation. The Buddha speaks in these terms --- of what is advantageous and what is disadvantageous --- because doing so encourages people to practice.
1. The practitioner sleeps well.
2. Upon waking, she feels well and light in her heart.
3. He does not have unpleasant dreams.
4. She is well-liked by many people. She feels at ease with everyone. Others, especially children, like to be near her.
5. He is dear to the nonhuman species: birds, fish, elephants, squirrels. Species that are visible and invisible like to be near him.
6. She is supported and protected by gods and goddesses.
7. He is protected from fire, poison, and the sword. He does not need to make any special effort to avoid them.
8. She reaches meditative concentration easily.
9. His face is bright and clear.
10. At the time of death, her mind is clear.
11. He is reborn in the Brahma Heaven, where he can continue the practice, because there is already a Sangha of those practicing the Four Immeasurable Minds.
-- Teaching on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
In the Anguttara Nikaya, the Buddha mentions eleven advantages of practicing love meditation. The Buddha speaks in these terms --- of what is advantageous and what is disadvantageous --- because doing so encourages people to practice.
1. The practitioner sleeps well.
2. Upon waking, she feels well and light in her heart.
3. He does not have unpleasant dreams.
4. She is well-liked by many people. She feels at ease with everyone. Others, especially children, like to be near her.
5. He is dear to the nonhuman species: birds, fish, elephants, squirrels. Species that are visible and invisible like to be near him.
6. She is supported and protected by gods and goddesses.
7. He is protected from fire, poison, and the sword. He does not need to make any special effort to avoid them.
8. She reaches meditative concentration easily.
9. His face is bright and clear.
10. At the time of death, her mind is clear.
11. He is reborn in the Brahma Heaven, where he can continue the practice, because there is already a Sangha of those practicing the Four Immeasurable Minds.
-- Teaching on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
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