Entering the Forest of the Heart

Talk given by Padmasagara on 2025-12-06.

This talk explores the story behind the Karaniya Metta Sutta, one of the Buddha’s earliest and most important teachings on metta, or loving-kindness.

The talk begins with the context in which this teaching was given: a deep and unsettling forest, filled with strange sounds, shadows, and fear. From there, the story turns inward, pointing to the "forest of the heart": the inner landscape where emotions arise, move, and seek expression in our lives.

Reflecting on how easy it is to lose touch with this inner world, the talk asks what it means to really listen to the heart, and how Buddhist practice, and metta in particular, can help us connect more honestly with ourselves, with others, and with the world.

Enjoyed this talk? You are warmly invited to visit Buddhistisches Tor Berlin in Kreuzberg in person. Join us for meditation, Dharma talks, and courses that support practice in everyday life.

Find out more at:

• ☸️ https://buddhistisches-tor-berlin.de

• 🏰 https://rote-burg.de

• 📸 https://instagram.com/buddhistischestorberlin