Module 6: Foundations of Buddhist Meditation III: The Four Immeasurables · The Buddha’s Path
Session 5 - Equanimity
David Oromith · 86 minutes · recorded October 15, 2024
The teaching turns to equanimity, upekka, the balance underlying loving kindness, compassion and joy. David distinguishes it from flat indifference, drawing on Sharon Salzberg's story of relating differently to knee pain, and explains why acceptance means acknowledging what is, not condoning it. Questions bring stories of grief for a missed friendship and a man at peace with terminal illness. In the meditation we extend loving kindness equally to a loved one, a stranger and someone difficult.
Anger and aversion Attachment and craving Grief and loss Illness and pain Patience, forbearance and acceptance The eight worldly concerns Compassion (karuna) Equanimity Loving kindness (metta) The four immeasurables