Yogi: I start the morning sit by doing metta.

Sayadaw: Whatever the mind is doing, like reciting the metta phrases, you can recognize that the mind is doing that. Once you know what the mind is doing, you’re practicing satipatthana. That’s fine.

When you practice metta, do you feel metta?

Yogi: Sometimes.

Sayadaw: Recognize that sometimes we’re just reciting the words and not feeling metta.

It has happened to me that I was reciting ‘May you be happy’, but I became angry instead.

The best time to radiate metta is after a sit or walking meditation when the mind feels good, kind and strong; then, we can bring people into our minds and radiate that feeling. 

Metta is like money; if you don’t have any in your pocket, you can’t give.

Metta is useful for some people when the gross mind is very confused or agitated – just reciting the metta phrases can calm the mind down. That’s really helpful to settle the mind – then it can be aware without the excessive agitation.

When we recite, the mind can understand the meaning of ‘May all beings be well, may all beings be happy’, and that brings some peace to the mind.

We can use it if it’s helpful.