BUDDHIST people observe a ceremony every year on the full moon day of Wagoung, mentioned in the Myanmar calendar, to mark the auspicious day of Metta. This day is dedicated to spreading loving-kindness to all living beings across the world, promoting peace of mind and harmonious living. Therefore, the auspicious day of Metta is considered one of the significant days in Buddhism.

This year, the full moon day of Wagoung in the Myanmar lunar calendar falls on 8 August. Historically, the Lord Buddha deliv­ered the Metta Sutta to five hundred follower monks while residing at the Jatavana mon­astery in Savatthi of Majjima, now known as Sravasti in In­dia. Prior to this occasion, the monks practised meditation in designated places – some un­der trees and others in caves. Facing difficulties and distur­bances during their medita­tion, the Lord Buddha’s ser­mon helped them overcome these challenges and deepen their practice.

In this case, such reli­gious evidence showed an important role of Metta, the loving-kindness, in society. Dispersing loving-kindness as well as compassion helps propagate peace of mind and tranquillity among the people. Anyone can raise a question: “Who doesn’t want peace and prosperity?”

All living beings, espe­cially humans, constantly struggle to survive in all sit­uations as part of their daily lives. This struggle can foster growth and build capability. However, it can also gradually weaken physical and mental strength while experiencing ageing. Therefore, everyone should embrace positive struggle to enhance their capacity while seeking the best way to live with peace of mind.

If so, the key point is that spreading loving-kindness to one another is the best path to living with peace of mind. This practice can help overcome challenges, end conflicts, stop hatred, eliminate hidden grudges and bitterness, and remove the masks of hostility. As a result, people around the world can reduce the risks of global war, discrimination, and injustice towards one another.

That is why everyone should recognize that the auspicious day of Metta, based on the Lord Buddha’s teachings on spreading compassion, is one of the best and most effective tools for creating peaceful and stable societies worldwide. Everyone should strive to build communities grounded in compassion, empathy, and charity which prioritizes the well-being of others so that all people can live with peace of mind. May all those who spread Metta, and all living beings, be free from enmity, suffering, and anxiety, and live happily.