Equanimity: Difference between revisions
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==Hinduism== |
==Hinduism== |
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In [[Hinduism]], equanimity is just another term that attempts to describe the nature of 'Bramhan'. In [[Vedanta]] the term [[Bramhan]] points to ' Absolute Reality'. In a true sense, Bramhan cannot be described, hence it must be recognized that these terms are only meant to serve as pointers to the intellectual concept of Bramhan. In Vedanta the term 'Bramhan' points to 'Reality'. We learn from Vedanta, Bramhan alone is Real and the world is unreal. By the term 'real' what is being pointed to is that, which is unchanging in all circumstances and independent of space-time manifold. The material and mental world hence does not qualify as being real. |
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The term 'Bramhan' should not be confused with the term [[bramhin]]. The idea of equanimity refers to being in pure awareness. Being in pure awareness requires dissolution of mind. The term mind is also known as 'Ego' or 'Identity'. When there is no distraction or attachment to thoughts, there is equanimity. As per Vedanta, 'Equanimity' is our true nature. When the sense of individual discrete identity is dissolved, one transcends the apparent duality and see themselves as one with everything. |
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| ⚫ | {{quotation| Equanimity does not mean sitting around inactive while things are happening, or escaping from the world, or suppressing one's feelings. Equanimity is operating from the state of supreme watchfulness without an iota of attachment or aversion. ….. A mind of equanimity is an original pure mind free from all suppression, fear, dullness and ignorance. |
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In lack of better terms, 'Equanimity' can be used to refer to any of the following terms such as [[Beingness]], [[Undisturbed]], [[Unattached]]. It should be recognized that 'Equanimity' does not refer to a state of mind, rather it describes our real nature. Sense of attachment or doership is always individual and operates at the level of 'Individual Identity' or 'Ego'. [Gita]] says by renouncing our limited identity, we can reveal our true nature, which is 'Bramhan'. When we are aware of our true nature, the individual ego does not operate anymore, hence the outcome is equanimity. When one is fully aware, one does not attach to the world, rather sees the world. The world is apparent and unfolds in front of our awareness, but due to lack of clarity, we identify with the body and the mind and become finite and limited. The only unchanging reality is pure awareness. It refers to being witness and not having a sense of individual doer which creates attachment and makes one behave otherwise. |
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| ⚫ | According to the ''[[Bhagavad Gita|Bhagavad Gītā]]',every one can eventually achieve equanimity through spiritual practice leading to self realization. <ref>{{Cite book|title=Ancient Religious Wisdom, Spirituality, and Psychoanalysis|author=Paul Marcus|page=20|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|year=2003|isbn=0275974529|url=http://books.google.ca/books?id=52mOF7agoW0C&dq=Equanimity+Hinduism&source=gbs_navlinks_s}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | {{quotation| Equanimity does not mean sitting around inactive while things are happening, or escaping from the world, or suppressing one's feelings. Equanimity is operating from the state of supreme watchfulness / witness without an iota of attachment or aversion. ….. A mind of equanimity is an original pure mind free from all suppression, fear, dullness and ignorance. |
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<ref>Amit Ray,[http://www.amazon.com/OM-Chanting-Meditation-Amit-Ray/dp/8191026937 “Om Chanting and Meditation”], Inner Light Publishers, pp. 59-60, ISBN 81-910269-3-7</ref>}} |
<ref>Amit Ray,[http://www.amazon.com/OM-Chanting-Meditation-Amit-Ray/dp/8191026937 “Om Chanting and Meditation”], Inner Light Publishers, pp. 59-60, ISBN 81-910269-3-7</ref>}} |
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Revision as of 23:09, 23 November 2011
Equanimity is a state of mental or emotional stability or composure arising from a deep awareness and acceptance of the present moment. Equanimity is promoted by several major religious groups.
Stoicism
The concept of equanimity was praised by at least two pagan Roman Emperors. The Stoic Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius' Meditations details a philosophy of service and duty, describing how to find and preserve equanimity in the midst of conflict by following nature as a source of guidance and inspiration. His adopted father Antoninus Pius' last word was uttered when the tribune of the night-watch came to ask him for the night's password — Pius decided upon "aequanimitas" (equanimity).
Hinduism
In Hinduism, equanimity is just another term that attempts to describe the nature of 'Bramhan'. In Vedanta the term Bramhan points to ' Absolute Reality'. In a true sense, Bramhan cannot be described, hence it must be recognized that these terms are only meant to serve as pointers to the intellectual concept of Bramhan. In Vedanta the term 'Bramhan' points to 'Reality'. We learn from Vedanta, Bramhan alone is Real and the world is unreal. By the term 'real' what is being pointed to is that, which is unchanging in all circumstances and independent of space-time manifold. The material and mental world hence does not qualify as being real.
The term 'Bramhan' should not be confused with the term bramhin. The idea of equanimity refers to being in pure awareness. Being in pure awareness requires dissolution of mind. The term mind is also known as 'Ego' or 'Identity'. When there is no distraction or attachment to thoughts, there is equanimity. As per Vedanta, 'Equanimity' is our true nature. When the sense of individual discrete identity is dissolved, one transcends the apparent duality and see themselves as one with everything.
In lack of better terms, 'Equanimity' can be used to refer to any of the following terms such as Beingness, Undisturbed, Unattached. It should be recognized that 'Equanimity' does not refer to a state of mind, rather it describes our real nature. Sense of attachment or doership is always individual and operates at the level of 'Individual Identity' or 'Ego'. [Gita]] says by renouncing our limited identity, we can reveal our true nature, which is 'Bramhan'. When we are aware of our true nature, the individual ego does not operate anymore, hence the outcome is equanimity. When one is fully aware, one does not attach to the world, rather sees the world. The world is apparent and unfolds in front of our awareness, but due to lack of clarity, we identify with the body and the mind and become finite and limited. The only unchanging reality is pure awareness. It refers to being witness and not having a sense of individual doer which creates attachment and makes one behave otherwise.
According to the Bhagavad Gītā',every one can eventually achieve equanimity through spiritual practice leading to self realization. [1]
Equanimity does not mean sitting around inactive while things are happening, or escaping from the world, or suppressing one's feelings. Equanimity is operating from the state of supreme watchfulness / witness without an iota of attachment or aversion. ….. A mind of equanimity is an original pure mind free from all suppression, fear, dullness and ignorance. [2]
Buddhism
In Buddhism, equanimity (upekkhā, upekṣhā) is one of the four immeasurables and is considered:
Neither a thought nor an emotion, it is rather the steady conscious realisation of reality's transience. It is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love. While some may think of equanimity as dry neutrality or cool aloofness, mature equanimity produces a radiance and warmth of being. The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as "abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will."[3]
Yoga
Equanimity (upekṣhā) is also mentioned in Patañjali's Yoga Sutras (1.33[4]), as one of the four sublime attitudes, along with loving-kindness (maitri), compassion (karuṇā), and joy (mudita). This list is identical to the four immeasurables in Buddhist literature. The Upeksha Yoga school foregrounds equanimity as the most important tenet of a yoga practice.[5]
Judaism
Many Jewish thinkers highlight the importance of equanimity (menuhat ha-nefesh or yishuv ha-da'at) as a necessary foundation for moral and spiritual development. The virtue of equanimity receives particular attention in the writings of rabbis such as Menachem Mendel Lefin and Simcha Zissel Ziv.
Christianity
Samuel Johnson defined equanimity as "evenness of mind, neither elated nor depressed." In Christian philosophy, equanimity is considered essential for carrying out the theological virtues of gentleness, contentment, temperance, and charity.[6]
References
- ^ Paul Marcus (2003). Ancient Religious Wisdom, Spirituality, and Psychoanalysis. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 20. ISBN 0275974529.
- ^ Amit Ray,“Om Chanting and Meditation”, Inner Light Publishers, pp. 59-60, ISBN 81-910269-3-7
- ^ Gil Fronsdal (2004-05-29). "Equanimity". Insight Meditation Center. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
- ^ Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati. "Commentary on the Yoga Sutras". Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
- ^ Upeksha yoga
- ^ Twenty Essays on the Practical Improvement of God's Providential Dispensations as Means of Moral Discipline to the Christian. London: RB Seeley and W Burnside. 1838. p. 51.