RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Equanimity
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Whatever you intend,
whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will
become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop
meditation on equanimity, for when you develop meditation on equanimity,
all aversion is abandoned. (MN 62)
The proximate cause of equanimity is seeing ownership of deeds. (Vm
9.95) Having tasted a flavor with the tongue, one is neither glad-minded
nor sad-minded but abides with equanimity, mindful and fully aware. (AN
6.1)
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The phrase
“seeing ownership of deeds” refers to karma. Recognizing that everything
that happens is a matter of cause and effect gives rise to equanimity.
It is not raining to spoil your picnic, your toothache is not a form of
punishment, and you are not having a bit of luck because you deserve it.
When we regard things as the result of conditions rather than as
entangled in our own sense of self, equanimity begins to develop.
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Cycling through
the senses, we are practicing today with the tongue and flavors. The
aim is to use this sense modality to cultivate equanimity, the state of
mind that does not favor pleasure or oppose displeasure. As you eat your
food, see if you can relate to the taste with a neutral reaction.
Acknowledge the tastiness if it tastes good and be aware of the bad
taste if it is bad, but practice looking at each evenly. It is what it
is.
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Tomorrow: Refraining from Frivolous Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Lovingkindness
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