Contents

• Titlepage
• Table of Contents
• Cover
• Copyright
• Introduction
  • I : Head & Heart Together
  • II : In the Context of Right View
  • III : seven misunderstandings
    • Misunderstanding # 1: Mettā means love or lovingkindness.
    • Misunderstanding # 2: The practice of the brahmavihāras is a form of prayer.
    • Misunderstanding # 3: Mettā is best expressed by acts of uncritical tenderness.
    • Misunderstanding # 4: The brahmavihāras are part of the innate nature of the human heart.
    • Misunderstanding # 5: Other people deserve our mettā, either because of their own innate goodness or because we are all one.
    • Misunderstanding # 6: The brahmavihāras are purely heart qualities, needing no input from the analytical mind.
    • Misunderstanding # 7: The brahmavihāras are, in themselves, a complete path to awakening.
• Readings
  • 1. Mettā Defined
  • 2. Prayer vs. Resolve
  • 3. Mettā in Words & Deeds
  • 4. The Nature of the Heart & Mind
  • 5. Motivation for the Brahmavihāras
  • 6. Fabricating Skillful Mind States
    • Antidotes to Anger & Ill Will
    • Antidotes to Partiality
  • 7. Further Practice
• Glossary
• Abbreviations