Level 2: Equanimity

Equanimity may be defined as a balanced, steady, centered or grounded state of mind. In Buddhism, equanimity is also a precursor to compassion practice, for our compassion is incomplete if only offered to those who are close to us. Buddhists define equanimity as the recognition that all beings are just like us in that they only want to be happy and free from their pain.

The Buddhist teaching on equanimity considers it neither a thought nor an emotion, but rather the steady, conscious realization of reality’s transience. Equanimity is the ground for wisdom and freedom, and the protector of compassion and love. This definition is examined more closely in Level 2 of Journey to Compassion: Equanimity.

Equanimity meditation is practiced in many different ways. Journey to Compassion: Level 2 introduces methods of cultivating equanimity through mindfulness and meditation. In one, we meditate on dissolving the barriers between labels such as friend, enemy, loved one, disliked one. We also learn the practice of the Four Immeasurables, a classic equanimity and compassion practice.

We can build equanimity in meditation, but the real power of equanimity is how it translates to our every day life. Imagine what the world would be like if all beings truly practiced a genuine compassion that was not dependent on our feelings around someone’s worthiness as a recipient of love. Building this type of world begins with us and our ability to open our hearts more and more.