Significance of Equanimity
Equanimity, as understood in various philosophical and religious traditions, refers to a mental state of balance, stability, and composure, particularly during challenging situations. It is characterized by remaining undisturbed by external distractions or internal emotions, allowing individuals to face joys and sorrows neutrally. In Buddhism, Jainism, and other traditions, equanimity is seen as crucial for spiritual growth and overcoming ignorance and attachment, promoting an impartial view towards all beings and experiences. This quality fosters mental clarity and enables practitioners to maintain calmness regardless of circumstances.
Synonyms: Calmness, Serenity, Tranquility, Stability, Self-control
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Equanimity'
Equanimity in Buddhism is a state of mental stability, balance, and impartiality, crucial for overcoming attachments and emotions. It allows practitioners to maintain calmness and composure amidst life's challenges, promoting equality and compassion towards all beings.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A balanced state of mind characterized by mental calmness and neutrality towards agreeable and disagreeable sensations.[1] (2) A mental state of calmness and balance, cultivated through the highest forms of meditation.[2] (3) A state of mental calmness that is encouraged through meditation as part of the Buddha's teachings.[3] (4) A balanced mental state essential for a noble bhikkhu to overcome attachments and aversions.[4] (5) A state of mental stability and calmness that is advised to develop during the kappa-kolahala as part of good deeds.[5]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) An impartial state of mind that remains balanced amid life's joys and sorrows, gaining strength from the non-attachment and non-aversion.[6] (2) A mental state of balance and neutrality developed in later Jhanas.[7] (3) A balanced mental state of calmness and detachment in feelings.[8] (4) A state of mental stability and composure, often characterized by indifference to pleasure and pain.[9] (5) A balanced state of mind that characterizes certain types of javanas, emphasizing a non-reactive and stable awareness.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A divine abiding characterized as neutral and impartial towards beings, promoting the aspect of neutrality and dependent on seeing equality among beings.[11] (2) A mental state of balance and calmness during the processing of sensory information, contributing to the stability of consciousness.[12] (3) A mental state of neutrality and balance, characterized by an impartial outlook towards experiences.[13] (4) A balanced mental state that embodies neutrality, which plays a crucial role in achieving purity of mindfulness within the fourth jhana.[14] (5) A neutral feeling characterized by a balanced state, neither intensifying nor diminishing experience significantly.[15]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A quality of mental stability and calmness highlighted in one of the stories featured in the Cariya Pitaka.[16] (2) A mental state of calmness and balance, especially in the context of resolving grudges.[17] (3) A parami embodying mental stability, balance, and peace regardless of external circumstances.[18] (4) The balance and mental state a bhikkhu should maintain in his spiritual practice.[19]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A balanced mental state free from emotional disturbance, allowing one to remain unaffected by joys and sorrows.[20]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A moral virtue (Brahmavihara) that represents a balanced state of mind, free from attachment and aversion.[21]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The state of mental calmness and stability that should be developed towards worldly conditions to achieve higher blessings.[22]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A balanced state of mind (upeksha) that the Buddha possesses, devoid of unconsidered reactions or biases toward pleasant and unpleasant sensations.[23] (2) The state of being calm and composed, especially in regard to giving to all beings without favor or discrimination.[24] (3) A state of mental and emotional stability and composure, especially in difficult situations.[25] (4) Equanimity is the ability to view beings without aversion or affection.[26] (5) The mental state of remaining undisturbed and balanced, promoting equal love and compassion toward all beings.[27]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[28] (2) A mental state of calmness and neutrality in the face of all experiences, essential for spiritual progress.[29] (3) A mental state of calmness and composure, especially in challenging situations, promoting unbiased love for all beings.[30]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A balanced mental state that bodhisattvas cultivate regarding their own progress and the achievements of others.[31] (2) A state of mental and emotional stability, indicated in the context of Vimalakirti's teachings regarding the nature of perceiving reality.[32] (3) A state of mental calmness and evenness of temper, particularly in difficult situations, recognized as crucial for a bodhisattva.[33]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A state of mind in Mahayana Buddhism that is free from attachment, indifference, and repulsion.[34] (2) In Hinayana, equanimity is seen as the outcome of compassion, love, and joy, reflecting a balanced state of mind.[35]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A balanced mental state that remains undisturbed by emotions, included as one of the four immeasurables.[36]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A state of mental stability and composure, mentioned as essential for a monk on the path to nirvana.[37]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A state of mental stability and composure, leading to the purification of ignorance and pride, and allowing for the manifestation of dharmadhatu wisdom.[38] (2) A balanced mental state achieved when the mind is not disturbed by external distractions or internal chaos.[39]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The quality of maintaining mental stability and composure, especially during challenges.[40] (2) A mental state of stability and composure, especially in difficult situations.[41]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Condition of being indifferent to both bliss and misery, recognizing that individual actions will manifest outcomes.[42]
Hindu concept of 'Equanimity'
In Hinduism, Equanimity signifies a state of mental calmness and stability, enabling individuals to remain unaffected by life's dualities—happiness and sorrow—while promoting spiritual enlightenment and growth through an even-minded perspective.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state of mental stability and calmness that helps overcome negative emotions.[43] (2) A balanced mental state that remains unaffected by the ups and downs of life.[44] (3) A state of mental stability and calmness in the face of life's changes.[45] (4) A mental state of stability and composure, unaffected by external circumstances or internal emotions.[46] (5) The composure and calmness that characterize the prince's long and peaceful reign.[47]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Mental calmness and steadiness, especially during difficult times.[48] (2) A state of balance in viewing friends and enemies alike, contributing to a person's virtuous qualities preventing them from becoming a Preta.[49] (3) A state of mental calmness and impartiality that is encouraged as essential for spiritual growth and salvation.[50] (4) A mental state of stability and calmness, especially in the face of challenges or emotional upheaval, often regarded as a virtuous quality.[51]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A balanced state of mind that contributes to spiritual enlightenment, promoting a detached view of pleasure and pain.[52] (2) A state of mental and emotional stability that the goddess Bhagirathi achieved after being consoled, representing her recovery from grief.[53] (3) A state of mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[54]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The mental stability where one remains unaffected by the dualities of happiness and unhappiness.[55]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ability to maintain a balanced and even-minded state in all circumstances.[56]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The state of being calm and composed, which a king should maintain regardless of circumstances.[57]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Equanimity is the state of calmness achieved upon attaining a desired end, reflecting balance and stability.[58]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The mental stability and composure one should maintain, regardless of external circumstances such as pleasure or suffering.[59]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mental calmness, stability, and composure, especially in difficult situations.[60]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) Mental stability and a calm state of mind in respect to the dualities of happiness and sorrow encountered in life.[61]
Jain concept of 'Equanimity'
Equanimity in Jainism embodies mental stability and calmness essential for spiritual practice and overcoming emotional disturbances. It's characterized by composure in adversity, achieved through selflessness, and is vital for maintaining balance on one's spiritual path.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A mental state of stability and composure, achieved through acts of pure offerings and selflessness.[62] (2) Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[63] (3) A mental state of stability and composure, especially in difficult situations, a core aspect of samayika.[64]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of mental stability and calmness, crucial for overcoming emotional disturbances and engaging in spiritual practice.[65]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A balanced state of mind that remains calm amidst joys and sorrows, crucial for a Nirgrantha on their spiritual journey.[66]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A state of mental and emotional stability, which is affected by fallacious arguments.[67]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A state of mental calmness and balance that is seen as a fruit of the first kind of pramana, associated with direct knowledge.[68]
The concept of Equanimity in local and regional sources
Equanimity, as described in the text, denotes mental stability and calmness amidst chaos, exemplified in Dr. Radhakrishnan's demeanor, and is a state achieved through the teachings of the Gita.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Mental calmness, composure, and even-mindedness in the face of life's challenges, emphasized as crucial in the pursuit of peace.[69] (2) Mental calmness and stability, especially in difficult situations.[70] (3) The mental stability reflected in Dr. Radhakrishnan's speaking, contrasting with the tumultuous world.[71] (4) A mental state of calmness and composure under all circumstances, which is cultivated through the teachings of the Gita.[72]