Episode 174 - Staying calm

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

In Buddhism, equanimity (upekkha in Pali) is a state of calmness, balance, and non-reactivity in the face of both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Equanimity is a quality of mind that is gradually cultivated through spiritual practice.

Equanimity is considered one of the four sublime states or divine abidings (Brahma-viharas) in Buddhism, alongside loving-kindness, compassion, and sympathetic joy. These qualities are seen as essential for developing the awakened mind of enlightenment.

Equanimity does not mean indifference towards others or the world. Instead, it is the ability to maintain a balanced and non-preferential attitude, free from excessive attachment or aversion.

Practicing equanimity involves two things: 1) cultivating a mind that is undisturbed by the ups and downs of life 2) loving all beings impartially. In this episode, we look at how to cultivate the first aspect of equanimity, the ability to maintain a sense of calm and clarity amidst changing circumstances.

Praise and blame,

gain and loss,

fame and shame,

pleasure and pain

come and go like the wind.

To be happy, rest like a giant tree in the midst of them all.

—The Buddha

By developing equanimity, we navigate the world with a calm, balanced mind. We gain the ability to respond to situations with wisdom, kindness, and understanding, rather than just reacting with our old habits. Equanimity can give us so many happy moments we would otherwise lose to anger, envy, or attachment. The practice helps us experience longer and longer periods of peace and well-being, until our peace is unbroken and we attain enlightenment.

As jasmine sheds its withered flowers

So, bhikkhus, shed passion and aversion. (377)

Peaceful in body, peaceful in speech,

The bhikkhu peaceful and well-concentrated

Who has rejected the world’s bait

Is called “one at peace.” (378)*

--Buddha, The Dhammapada

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011. (Link)