World Day of Metta 2023: Date, History, Facts about Buddhism

World Day of Metta occurs annually on March 22. This is a time to reflect on affection and acceptance for oneself and others, as well as to take a moment of quiet reflection. Metta is a Buddhist principle that encourages all individuals to practice unconditional compassion and goodwill toward all beings in the universe. The organizers of this holiday request that everyone contemplate, meditate, or pray in order to offer Metta to all living beings on Earth. Regardless of your religious beliefs, use this day to reflect on the transformative force of love.

The background of World Day of Metta

The term ‘Metta’ refers to beneficence and affection for all other sentient things. The World Day of Metta encourages individuals from all walks of life to practice Metta Meditation from noon to 2 p.m. local time on this day. Some people use the time to engage in silent meditation, while others feel compelled to put this generosity into practice with others.

Buddhism’s mythology provides insight into the origins of Metta. 500 priests reportedly popularized the concept by settling in a forest for a rain retreat. The monks felt unwelcome and unwanted by the spirits of the forest and eventually returned to Buddha, explaining their anxiety and pleading with him not to force them to return. Before sending them back, Buddha taught them to meditate with an open mind and heart, to be welcoming and cordial. When the monks returned with the new Metta teaching, they discovered that the spirits now welcomed them. The monks then proceeded to develop their beliefs and practices in accordance with the Metta principle.

It is essential to keep in mind that Metta is meant to be a daily practice and not just a symbolic word of faith. Metta involves not only learning to love all other beings but also to embrace them regardless of whether you know them. The principle necessitates unconditional affection and acceptance. This involves encouraging individuals to reflect on what it means to love everyone without prejudice or conditions and to challenge themselves to learn how to do so. Metta is a positive ideal to embody in your life, regardless of how other people choose to implement it.

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5 FACTS ABOUT BUDDHISM

Buddha was born as a monarch who was destined to inherit his mother’s throne and his father’s position as chieftain.

Buddhism is a nontheistic religion, which means there is no deity worshiped and Buddha was viewed as a teacher, not a god, by his adherents.

As the term Buddha refers to a person who has attained enlightenment, it is not limited to a single individual.

Buddhism is one of the few religions that does not believe in suffering or atonement after death; only the present is guaranteed.

There is no central authority in Buddhism; all temples are autonomous and derive from various Buddhist sects.

WORLD DAY OF METTA DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 22	Wednesday
2024	March 22	Friday
2025	March 22	Saturday
2026	March 22	Sunday
2027	March 22	Monday