A foundation of virtue is needed before we can meditate effectively. The precepts, or non-harm, as benevolence in action. A close look at the Sutta up to “Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.” Main Text(s) quoted: Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha's Words on Loving-Kindness (Sn 1.8), translated from the Pali by The Amaravati Sangha. Access to Insight (Legacy Edition), 2 November 2013, http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.1.08.amar.html . Commentary on words and phrases by Andrew Olendzki http://www.dharmanet.org/coursesM/18/mettasutta6.htm