Significance of Equanimity
Equanimity, according to various philosophical and religious traditions, signifies a state of mental stability and composure that enables individuals to maintain calmness in the face of life's challenges and dualities like joy and sorrow. In Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other traditions, it is described as a balanced mental state unaffected by external circumstances or emotional disturbances. This ability to remain even-minded is viewed as essential for spiritual growth, promoting clarity and wisdom while aiding in overcoming negative emotions.
Synonyms: Calmness, Serenity, Tranquility, Poise, Stability, Even-temper, Self-control, Calm, Coolness
In Dutch: Gelijkmoedigheid; In Finnish: Tasapainoisuus; In Spanish: Ecuanimidad; In German: Gleichmut; In Finnish: Tasaisuus; In Swedish: 闯盲尘苍尘辞诲; In Malay: Keseimbangan; In French: 脡辩耻补苍颈尘颈迟茅
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 embodies a balanced mental state characterized by composure, neutrality, and stability, free from attachment and aversion. It is essential for spiritual growth, enabling practitioners to respond calmly to life's challenges and maintain equal compassion toward all beings.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he 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: 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.[22] (2) The state of being calm and composed, especially in regard to giving to all beings without favor or discrimination.[23] (3) A state of mental and emotional stability and composure, especially in difficult situations.[24] (4) Equanimity is the ability to view beings without aversion or affection.[25] (5) The mental state of remaining undisturbed and balanced, promoting equal love and compassion toward all beings.[26]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[27] (2) A mental state of calmness and neutrality in the face of all experiences, essential for spiritual progress.[28] (3) A mental state of calmness and composure, especially in challenging situations, promoting unbiased love for all beings.[29]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A balanced mental state that bodhisattvas cultivate regarding their own progress and the achievements of others.[30] (2) A state of mental and emotional stability, indicated in the context of Vimalakirti's teachings regarding the nature of perceiving reality.[31] (3) A state of mental calmness and evenness of temper, particularly in difficult situations, recognized as crucial for a bodhisattva.[32]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A balanced mental state that remains undisturbed by emotions, included as one of the four immeasurables.[33]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A state of mental stability and composure, mentioned as essential for a monk on the path to nirvana.[34]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) A state of mental calmness and stability, especially in challenging situations, allowing for balanced and compassionate action.[35]
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.[36] (2) A balanced mental state achieved when the mind is not disturbed by external distractions or internal chaos.[37]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The quality of maintaining mental stability and composure, especially during challenges.[38] (2) A mental state of stability and composure, especially in difficult situations.[39]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Condition of being indifferent to both bliss and misery, recognizing that individual actions will manifest outcomes.[40]
Hindu concept of 'Equanimity'
Equanimity in Hinduism embodies a calm and composed mental state that transcends external circumstances, fostering spiritual growth and stability amidst life's dualities and challenges, ultimately promoting a balanced view of happiness and sorrow.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state of mental stability and calmness that helps overcome negative emotions.[41] (2) A balanced mental state that remains unaffected by the ups and downs of life.[42] (3) A state of mental stability and calmness in the face of life's changes.[43] (4) A mental state of stability and composure, unaffected by external circumstances or internal emotions.[44] (5) The composure and calmness that characterize the prince's long and peaceful reign.[45]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A balanced state of mind that contributes to spiritual enlightenment, promoting a detached view of pleasure and pain.[46] (2) A state of mental and emotional stability that the goddess Bhagirathi achieved after being consoled, representing her recovery from grief.[47] (3) A state of mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[48]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The mental stability where one remains unaffected by the dualities of happiness and unhappiness.[49]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The state of being calm and composed, which a king should maintain regardless of circumstances.[50]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ability to maintain a balanced and even-minded state in all circumstances.[51]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mental calmness, stability, and composure, especially in difficult situations.[52]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Mental calmness and composure, which is experienced when Jupiter is joined to Mercury, influencing emotional stability.[53]
Jain concept of 'Equanimity'
Equanimity in Jainism signifies a state of mental calmness and balance, essential for spiritual practice and overcoming emotional disturbances. It embodies stability during challenges and is a vital aspect of spiritual growth and selflessness.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A mental state of stability and composure, achieved through acts of pure offerings and selflessness.[54] (2) Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[55] (3) A mental state of stability and composure, especially in difficult situations, a core aspect of samayika.[56]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of mental stability and calmness, crucial for overcoming emotional disturbances and engaging in spiritual practice.[57]
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.[58]
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.[59]
The concept of Equanimity in local and regional sources
Equanimity is a mental state emphasizing calmness and composure, essential for moral action and balance, especially in challenging situations. It promotes even-mindedness and stability through teachings like the Gita, fostering inner peace.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is a state of mental calmness or composure, also referred to as Samatva, which is considered crucial for moral action and balance of mind.[60] (2) A balanced mental state that allows an individual to respond to various life situations with calmness and steadiness.[61] (3) Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.[62] (4) A state of mental calmness and composure, which is a mark of true culture according to some thinkers.[63] (5) A quality admired by B.M.S., suggesting a balance between emotion and reason.[64]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Equanimity is a concept that is introduced during meditation practices, along with love, compassion, rejoicing, ugliness, and mindfulness of breathing.[65]