Teatime at Birken (5 of 9) streamed live as part of the Virtual Metta Retreat (December 23-31, 2020). Index of questions: 00:00 - Welcome 00:23 - Does Metta include patiently bearing with the unpleasant? 07:34 - Can you speak of Metta towards objects or natural elements? Like, towards snow. 16:18 - What is the middle way in cultivating Metta powerfully without trying to force it? 22:24 - Do you need to be a Buddhist to recieve or radiate Metta? Does speaking Pali help?   26:31 - Previously you said that one has a better chance with Metta knowing it is a component of the Eightfold Path. Can you say more? 28:40 - I love being happy but don’t want to brush off my broken heart. What do you suggest? 32:07 - Do you have an example of a misused application of metta which we should avoid?   35:18 - Can you comment on spiritual conceit? 41:32 - What is the need to lead a virtuous life and what does trying to do this give us? 48:30 - Given all the horrors of the world, should we use our time and energy to make it a better place? 52:13 - How does one become consistent in the recollection of one’s good actions?