Equanimity

This is another quote from Weekly Words of Wisdom chosen by Lama Surya Das.

The subject is upekkha or equanimity, which is one of the four brahma viharas or "immeasurable minds" or "sublime abodes" that lead to liberation.

What are the other three brahma viharas? Metta or loving kindness, karuna or compassion, and mudita or sympathetic joy.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches that cultivating one of the immeasurable minds leads to experiencing all of them.

Equanimity

Equanimity is a spacious,

vast, and even state of mind;

it does not take sides.

It's not about being untouched by the world,

but letting go of fixed ideas.

How else are we to develop compassion and loving-kindness

for everyone and everything? Equanimity levels the playing field -

we are not excluding anyone from our practice.

Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

In my own personal experience, cultivating sympathetic joy in the extensive and wonderful achievements of my children has led me to learn more about loving kindness, compassion, and equanimity.

If you know someone who could use some loving kindness and compassion, please share this with them.