Hi Ruth,
the word appama~n~naa is used: boundlessness. As the Visuddhimagga, Ch IX
explains, when someone has attained jhana, only then can he extend metta to
all beings, none excepted. With this info you could read the Metta sutta (in
Minor Readings with the Co Illustrator of Ultimate meaning), and then you
see what is referred to as to the extension of metta: above, below and all
around.
When we think of some world leaders, can we have boundless or infinite
metta? I like to reach out to people across boundaries, but can we each
moment? The Abhidhamma gives me reminders with direct impact: we are only
citta, cetasika and rupa, or in other words, five khandhas, that is the
same. When in contrarious situations, this can help. Hearing someone's angry
words: and my reaction with aversion. There are only citta, cetasika and
rupa that have immediately fallen away. This can condition more metta.
I like your remark: not expecting anything in return, you say the word.
Placing yourself in the background. What do you think of the tran :
unselfish love?
Nina.

op 05-02-2003 12:51 schreef Ruth Klein op ruth@...:

> I find the problem with translating metta is using any form of the word
> 'love' and the key is 'unconditional'. The word love itself carries all
> sorts of connotations, mostly carrying the baggage of desiring something in
> return. Maybe it would be best understood by English speakers as
> 'unconditional loving-kindness'.