The Path of the Open Heart: Embracing a Happier Life Through Compassionate Practices
Week 4: Equanimity (Upekkha): Finding balance and serenity with others and amidst life’s ups and downs
David Oromith · 91 minutes · recorded June 29, 2023
The session closes the four immeasurables series with equanimity, upekkha, opening with a settling breath meditation and returning at the end to the classic practice in which we bring a loved one, a neutral person and someone difficult to mind in turn, wishing each equally well. David distinguishes true equanimity from indifference and from attachment. Questions cover boundaries with a difficult colleague, confrontation, and a cooled friendship.
The path of the open heart is a lifelong practice. Whether this is your first time exploring the Four Immeasurables or the hundredth time, if you're anything like me, it will have challenged your way of thinking and opened up doorways to healing resentment and the biased way we view other people and our world. If you have found the time to engage in the practices over the weeks, and found them beneficial to your wellbeing and relationships, then I encourage you to continue deepening your practice by reviewing the sessions and the notes and spending time in meditation and contemplation. I strongly believe that the more familiar we become with these virtuous states of mind, the greater happiness, love and enjoyment we'll experience whether by ourselves or with others. By the merit of our practice, may all beings find happiness and freedom from suffering.
Anger and aversion Attachment and craving Compassion (karuna) Equanimity Loving kindness (metta) The four immeasurables