Two more additions to my comment (# 51162) above :
(5) Sincerely practicing the “Metta Bhavana” is also a powerful way to pay off many of our kammic debts. When done in a correct way it can also produce miraculous healings in one’s mind and body. But before doing Metta Bhavana it is beneficial to start with asking forgiveness from all sentient beings for your wrongdoings AND expressing your gratitude to all sentient beings for any help you have received in any form (starting from your parents, relatives, teachers, friends, and everyone) in this beginningless Sansaric journey.
NOTE – The “Metta Bhavana” has two versions… “Anariya Metta Bhavana” and “Ariya Metta Bhavana”.
While the Anariya version can be done by anyone but the Ariya Metta Bhavana can be done ONLY by Ariyas (i.e, only after attaining the Sotapanna Stage).
(6) Providing the four requisites (food, medicine, robes, shelter) to the Maha Sangha is also an excellent way to generate meritorious energies which can help us overcome difficult situations. Lord Buddha said that we should not be afraid of doing merits.
A Sutta comes to my mind which is also chanted as Paritta. It is the Mettanisamsa Sutta :
Thus have I heard:
On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika’s monastery. Then he addressed the monks saying, “Monks.” — “Venerable Sir,” said the monks, by way of reply. The Blessed One then spoke as follows:
“Monks, eleven advantages are to be expected from the release (deliverance) of heart by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of loving-kindness (metta), by the cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly increasing these thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a vehicle (of expression), and also as something to be treasured, by living in conformity with these thoughts, by putting these ideas into practice, and by establishing them. What are the eleven?
1. “He sleeps in comfort.
2. He awakes in comfort.
3. He sees no evil dreams.
4. He is dear to human beings.
5. He is dear to non-human beings.
6. Devas (gods) protect him.
7. Fire, poison, and sword cannot touch him.
8. His mind can concentrate quickly.
9. His countenance is serene.
10. He dies without being confused in mind.
11. If he fails to attain arahantship (the highest sanctity) here and now, he will be reborn in the brahma-world.
“These eleven advantages, monks, are to be expected from the release of heart by familiarizing oneself with thoughts of loving-kindness, by cultivation of loving-kindness, by constantly increasing these thoughts, by regarding loving-kindness as a vehicle (of expression), and also as something to be treasured, by living in conformity with these thoughts, by putting these ideas into practice and by establishing them.”
So said the Blessed One. Those monks rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One.
May all sentient beings achieve the highest Peace, the ending of all sufferings, the Supreme Nibbana !!!
Theruwan Saranai !!!
