maitri

Maitri, transliterated maitrī in the IAST system, is a Sanskrit term meaning friendship, benevolence, or loving-kindness. It expresses goodwill and warm, friendly regard toward others. In Buddhist contexts the Pali cognate mettā is closely related and frequently translated as loving-kindness; maitri is the Sanskrit counterpart used in Hindu and Jain sources and in some Buddhist writings.

In Buddhist ethics, maitri is one of the brahmavihāras, the four immeasurables, alongside karuṇā (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy), and upekkhā (equanimity). Maitri involves cultivating a friendly, non-harmful attitude toward all beings and often accompanies practices such as loving-kindness meditation designed to extend goodwill without preference or attachment.

In Hinduism and Jainism, maitri denotes friendship and social harmony and is described as a virtue in ethical and devotional literature. It is associated with hospitality, nonviolence, and harmonious social relations. The concept also figures in modern spiritual and secular discussions as an ideal of humane, respectful relations.

Usage: Maitri is also used as a personal name in India and among South Asian communities, reflecting the virtue it represents. In contemporary discourse, maitri is discussed alongside other moral dispositions in psychology and interfaith dialogue as a constructive orientation toward others.