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The purpose of this meditation is to develop affectionate love for all living beings, remembering that they have all been our kind mother and they have all been very kind to us in the past.

I began the meditation by thinking about one particular statement in Geshe Kelsang Gyatso‘s recent book, Modern Buddhism:

When we were conceived, had out mother not wanted to keep us in her womb she could have had an abortion. If she had done so we would not now have this human life. Through her kindness she allowed us to stay in her womb and so we now enjoy a human life and experience all its advantages.

I thought about how true this is. My mother could have had an abortion. I had no absolute right to stay in her womb and feed off her body. She could just as easily evicted me and carried on with her life, her career, her interests. But she gave up all those hopes and dreams and instead became a mother and stayed at home looking after me.

I thought about how everything I now have is as a direct result of her decision to keep this complete stranger in her own body. That one decision has allowed me to come into this world and meet my Spiritual Guide – to come into contact with his teachings and to try to learn them myself.

I kept thinking about this one decision which gave me everything, and I felt a very deep appreciation for the kindness of my mother. As I contemplated my affectionate love for her, it felt as though my heart was with her. I concentrated on this feeling that my heart was with her, and I felt a very deep tranquil peace. My heart was not here in me, it was with her, and in its place was a deep tranquil peace. It felt beautiful and I stayed with the feeling and meaning for the rest of the meditation.

Dedication

May all living beings develop universal affectionate love and quickly attain enlightenment for the benefit of all.

Practice in the Meditation Break

I will always remember my appreciation for the kindness of my mothers in keeping me in their womb, giving me a precious human life.