MettaVerses and CoPs (Module 20240829_a43)



The Kind-Eco steering committee has decided to incorporate the "MettaVerses" concept from the book Cultivating Compassion: Going Beyond Crises, specifically from the chapter "A Humanistic Buddhist Response to Crises through MettāVerses" by Juewei Shi and Grace Ewart, into our existing 12-step framework.

Given that the KE's method is being replicated in various parts of the world, with communities emerging in India, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Vietnam, the Middle East, Chile, rural Australia, and other regions, we believe it's only fitting to embrace a sense of multiculturalism. Therefore, we are introducing the term "Metta" for those not in proximity to the millions of Buddhists surrounding our communities.

One of our members, who is pursuing postgraduate studies under the guidance of one of the authors of that article, has taken the initiative to lead us into the world of the MettaVerses! A MettaVerse is a concept introduced in the document prescribed for this KE learning module:

It defines a type of community focused on the practice of mettā, which is unconditional loving-kindness. These communities aim to break away from individualistic tendencies and cultivate a sense of interconnectedness, cooperation, and generosity among their members. The term "MettaVerse" combines "mettā" (loving-kindness) and "verse," suggesting a collective space or environment dedicated to this principle.

The term "Metta" (often translated as "loving-kindness" or "benevolence") is originally from Pali, the language in which many early Buddhist scriptures were written.

In Sanskrit, a closely related language, the equivalent word is "Maitrī." Both "Metta" in Pali and "Maitrī" in Sanskrit come from the root word "mitra," which means "friend" or "friendliness." These terms are central to Buddhist practice and philosophy, particularly in the context of cultivating unconditional love and compassion for all beings.

So, "Metta" is a Pali term, and its Sanskrit counterpart is "Maitrī." Now let's jump into the biocybernetics of the virtual realm, 


Key Features of a MettaVerse:

  1. Practice of Loving-Kindness: MettaVerses are built on the foundation of mettā, encouraging members to practice unconditional love and compassion towards all beings. This practice aims to alleviate suffering and promote mutual well-being.

  2. Breaking the Cycle of Selfishness: By fostering loving-kindness, MettaVerses aim to counteract selfishness, greed, and hatred, which are seen as root causes of many global crises. Members work together to cultivate positive mental states and ethical behaviours.

  3. Interconnectedness: MettaVerses emphasize the interconnected nature of all beings. They teach that personal well-being is linked to the well-being of others and the environment, promoting actions that reflect this interdependence.

  4. Communities of Practice: MettaVerses function as communities of practice (CoP), where people of varying levels of expertise come together to learn, practice, and support one another in their spiritual and ethical development.

  5. Moral and Ethical Support: These communities provide a supportive environment where individuals can develop virtues like compassion, generosity, and mindfulness, which are essential for personal growth and social harmony.

  6. Collective Problem Solving: MettaVerses offer a space for collaborative efforts to address societal and environmental problems. By nurturing a collective sense of responsibility, these communities aim to create positive change in the broader world.

In summary, a MettaVerse is envisioned as a compassionate community that practices and promotes loving-kindness, interconnectedness, and ethical living to address personal and societal challenges, ultimately aiming to contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world.


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Quick review of "A Humanistic Buddhist Response to Crises through MettaVerses"

The document discusses how Humanistic Buddhism, through the concept of MettaVerses—communities focused on unconditional loving-kindness (mettā)—can address contemporary global crises. These crises include environmental degradation, climate change, and societal conflicts. The authors argue that the root causes of these crises lie in human behaviours driven by greed, hatred, and ignorance, which are exacerbated by individualistic and consumerist cultures.

Key Points

  1. Crises and Humanistic Buddhism: The document links various global crises to a lack of moral and ethical focus. It suggests that societal actions, rooted in selfishness and ignorance, contribute significantly to problems like climate change and societal injustice. Humanistic Buddhism proposes that by practicing mettā, people can foster wholeness and overcome these issues.

  2. Concept of MettaVerses: MettaVerses are communities where members practice unconditional loving-kindness, breaking free from individualistic tendencies and embracing collective responsibility. These communities foster interconnectedness, cooperation, and generosity, helping to mitigate selfish behaviors that lead to societal and environmental harm.

  3. Dependent Co-origination: A foundational Buddhist concept, dependent co-origination, is highlighted as a philosophical underpinning. It explains that all phenomena arise from interdependent causes and conditions. Recognizing this interconnectedness can transform people's understanding of self and the world, reducing ego-driven behaviors.

  4. The Role of Mindfulness and Generosity: Mindfulness practices are encouraged to help individuals become aware of their thoughts and behaviors. The document suggests that the antidote to the cycle of greed and grasping is generosity—by giving and serving others selflessly, individuals can cultivate a sense of wholeness and sufficiency.

  5. Communities of Practice (CoP): These communities, characterized by shared goals and mutual learning, are promoted as platforms for developing and practicing mettā. The document underscores that communities provide support, helping individuals maintain their commitment to ethical behavior and compassion.


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Some areas you can explore in your Kind-Eco meetings:


A MettaVerse is a concept introduced in the document as a type of community focused on the practice of mettā, which is unconditional loving-kindness. These communities aim to break away from individualistic tendencies and cultivate a sense of interconnectedness, cooperation, and generosity among their members. The term "MettaVerse" combines "mettā" (loving-kindness) and "verse," suggesting a collective space or environment dedicated to this principle.

Key Features of a MettaVerse:

  1. Practice of Loving-Kindness: MettaVerses are built on the foundation of mettā, encouraging members to practice unconditional love and compassion towards all beings. This practice aims to alleviate suffering and promote mutual well-being.

  2. Breaking the Cycle of Selfishness: By fostering loving-kindness, MettaVerses aim to counteract selfishness, greed, and hatred, which are seen as root causes of many global crises. Members work together to cultivate positive mental states and ethical behaviors.

  3. Interconnectedness: MettaVerses emphasize the interconnected nature of all beings. They teach that personal well-being is linked to the well-being of others and the environment, promoting actions that reflect this interdependence.

  4. Communities of Practice: MettaVerses function as communities of practice (CoP), where people of varying levels of expertise come together to learn, practice, and support one another in their spiritual and ethical development.

  5. Moral and Ethical Support: These communities provide a supportive environment where individuals can develop virtues like compassion, generosity, and mindfulness, which are essential for personal growth and social harmony.

  6. Collective Problem Solving: MettaVerses offer a space for collaborative efforts to address societal and environmental problems. By nurturing a collective sense of responsibility, these communities aim to create positive change in the broader world.

In summary, a MettaVerse is envisioned as a compassionate community that practices and promotes loving-kindness, interconnectedness, and ethical living to address personal and societal challenges, ultimately aiming to contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world.

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Questions you can use in the KE meetings

Key Questions to Ask:

  1. How can existing communities integrate the principles of MettaVerses to address local and global crises?
  2. What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate unconditional loving-kindness in their daily lives?
  3. How does the concept of dependent co-origination challenge conventional notions of self and identity?
  4. What role can education and awareness play in promoting the principles of interconnectedness and generosity within society?
  5. How can technology and digital platforms be utilized to expand the reach and impact of MettaVerses?
  6. In what ways can the practice of mettā contribute to environmental sustainability and combat climate change?
  7. How can we measure the effectiveness of MettaVerses in reducing societal conflicts and promoting peace?
  8. What are the challenges in fostering a sense of interconnectedness in highly individualistic societies, and how can they be overcome?

These questions can help guide discussions and initiatives based on the principles outlined in the document, fostering a broader understanding and application of Humanistic Buddhist practices to contemporary global issues.

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