49.10 （一〇）

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was at Anāthapiṇḍada's Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī.

At that time, the World-Honored One told the bhikṣus, "If sentient beings cultivate the liberation of the mind of loving-kindness, spread its meaning, and expound it to others, they will attain these eleven fruits of retribution. What are the eleven? Sleeping peacefully, waking peacefully, not seeing bad dreams, being protected by the gods, being loved by people, not being poisoned, not being harmed by weapons, water, fire, or thieves will never harm them. If their bodies perish and their lives end, they will be reborn in the Brahma Heaven. This is called, bhikṣus, the ability to practice loving-kindness and attain these eleven blessings."

At that time, the World-Honored One then spoke this verse:

If one practices loving-kindness, without any laxity, the afflictions gradually
diminish, and one sees the path. By practicing this loving-kindness
one will be reborn in the Brahma Heaven, quickly attaining
liberation, and reaching the state of non-conditioning. Without killing, with
a mind of non-harming, without any intention of victory or
defeat, practicing loving-kindness universally towards all, one will never have
a mind of resentment.

"Therefore, bhikṣus! You should seek means to practice loving-kindness and spread its meaning. Thus, bhikṣus! You should train in this way."

At that time, the bhikṣus heard the Buddha's teaching and joyfully practiced it.