Upekṣā (Sanskrit) or Upekkhā (Pāli), is the Buddhist concept of equanimity. It is one of the four Brahmavihara (sublime states), which is a subset of Kammatthana. The Tibetan equivalent is btang.sñoms.

Equanimity is a balanced state of mind characterized by lack of strong attachments - attractions (cravings or desires) or repulsions (aversions). In equanimity one still notices and cares (even deeply) about what is going on, and has the capacity to be active rather than merely reactive. If a group of people are a storm, the equanimous people are the eye of the storm. This state of mind has also been likened to a heavy metal sphere on a perfectly level floor. The sphere is full of potential; once it starts rolling it will be hard to stop, but there is no incentive for motion.

See also

• Brahma-viharas

External links

• Equanimity (upekkha) by the Venerable Nyanaponika Thera.

Buddhist philosophical concepts

Upekkhá | Upekkha | Upekṣā