Abstract:

The word “Brahma” means “Noble.” This word, if properly pronounced in Pāḷi, should be pronounced: “Birahma.” In Burmese, it is spoken with a vocal sound as “Braḥma.” The word “vihāra” conveys the meaning of “dwelling,” “abiding,” or “living.” Hence “Brahma-vihāra” conveys the meaning of “Noble Living,” or “Living in the exercise of good-will.” When analysed, the expression “Brahma-vihāra” includes loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy (muditā), or rejoicing in the happiness or prosperity of others, and equanimity (upekkhā), or indifference to pain and pleasure. These are the four kinds of Braḥama-vihāra. In the Mahāgovinda Sutta, it is referred to as “Brahmacariya.” Therefore, Brahma-vihāra Bhāvanā means chastity or living the holy life. Therefore, this can also be called Brahmacāra Dhamma from now on. In the Abhidhamma, the Brahma-vihāra Dhamma is referred to as illimitable (appamaññā), a term meaning “infinite” or “boundless.” It is called “illimitable” because, when developing loving-kindness, it should be practised with unlimited friendliness towards all living beings.

Keywords:

Mettā - loving kindness. Karuṇā - compassion, Muditā - sympathetic joy, Upekkhā - indifference to pain and pleasure, Exuberance- enthusiasm, Prosperity, Wealth, Ecstasy. Equanimity - Restrain sense organs (Dhirata). Craving- Inclined Hunger, Zeal, Desire. Clinging- Adjoining (samlagna), Neighbouring, Coherent.

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Methods