Metta, the Buddhist Nun

The last time we lived in Sedona, Arizona, there was a Buddhist nun living in our neighborhood. We were to learn her name was Metta, the Sanskrit word for lovingkindness. Buddhism teaches that metta is not just an emotion, but rather a cultivated mental state in which our attention and concern are directed toward the happiness of others.

Although it was strange to see her walking around the neighborhood, it was not all that strange because near our house was the (Buddhist) Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park where many Buddhists meditated.

Metta was ever the Buddhist nun. She wore the traditional saffron and burgundy red robes; she walked barefoot even among the sharp pebbles on our street; she carefully shaved her head.

One day when we were out walking around the neighborhood, we stopped to greet this Buddhist nun. She asked if we were familiar with Buddhism. I shook my head and said “Not really.”

We exchanged names. She said her name was “Metta.”

“Ah,” I said, “Lovingkindness.”
“Ah,” she returned, “You do know Buddhism.”

Metta and I nodded our heads in agreement and that began our friendship as neighbors: Metta, a Buddhist nun and me, a curious student.

Metta was not one to speak at length. Our conversations always centered around Buddhism and her life as a nun, with not much said about her prior life except that she was an American. At some point in her life she became a Buddhist, and then a Theravada Buddhist Forest Nun, taking her vows somewhere in Southeast Asia.

She told me that life for nuns was very difficult just because they were women. As is unfortunately true all too often in this world, the women nuns did not have the status nor the resources of the men. She in fact had no support from any Buddhist organization.

One day Tricycle, a Buddhist magazine, published a major article about Buddhist nuns, highlighting the poor treatment they received from the Buddhist community. We discussed the article, with Metta providing her own personal examples backing up the points made in the article. She had no money, no resources, and truly lived from hand to mouth subsisting on what was put into her traditional begging bowl.

Metta started showing up at our house with her begging bowl, a traditional practice in Asian countries, but not a familiar one in the United States. The practice is for the householder to put into the bowl food to sustain the Buddhist priest or nun.

What should I put into her bowl? She asked for tea, butter, and a razor to shave her head. Over time she asked for a few other items which I can no longer remember.

Meditation is a very important Buddhist practice. One day Metta taught me what is known as “Walking Meditation.” She told me, and showed me, how to walk very very slowly, putting the heel down first, then the rest of the foot, and when that is done, to do the same with the other foot. Heel, ball of foot, heel, ball of foot.

Although Metta walked everywhere — barefoot — on two occasions she asked us to take her in our car. I drove her to another town for a Buddhist event. I don’t know how she returned home.

Speaking of home, what constituted her home were a series of small places in neighbors’ garages, mother-in-law units, and the like. Somehow she was able to live in such sparse, difficult ways.

The other time she asked for a ride was to Flagstaff to catch the train to California for an extended stay. She sat in the back seat of the car not saying a word. I wondered what she was thinking, this lovely Buddhist woman who was the embodiment of lovingkindness, her namesake. What would she find in California? Would she have food, would she be safe, would others be kind to her in return for her peaceful ways?

We never saw Metta again, but she is ever on my mind. Recently I received an email from one of her Sedona supporters. She said Metta was experiencing difficulties and needed financial support which I am providing.  What sustains her is her belief, her passion, her commitment to the Buddha.

May she be safe.
May she be sustained.
May she be appreciated.

                                                The Buddha in Sedona, Arizona

Copyright © 2024 by Jane Iddings