Today being Renri, the 7th day of Chinese New Year; it's not surprising then to receive a birthday message even though birthday is months away. Renri , to the Chinese, was the day human beings were created; which means it's everyone's birthday. Unlike Valentine's Day which is meant for lovers, Renri is for everyone. On a day when everyone wishes everyone else well, it's natural to think of metta, the first of the four sublime states (Brahmaviharas) and one of the ten pāramīs of Buddhism. On a day like Renri, perhaps we as human would say a metta prayer:
- May all beings be well and safe, may they be at ease.
- Whatever living beings there may be, whether moving or standing still, without exception, whether large, great, middling, or small, whether tiny or substantial,
- Whether seen or unseen, whether living near or far,
- Born or unborn; may all beings be happy.
- Let none deceive or despise another anywhere. Let none wish harm to another, in anger or in hate.
And here're more Renri messages...
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