Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Intention: Cultivating Equanimity

 

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RIGHT INTENTION Cultivating Equanimity 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)  Equanimity succeeds when it makes attraction and aversion subside. (Vm 9.96) Having touched a sensation with the body, one is neither glad-minded nor sad-minded, but abides with equanimity, mindful and fully aware. (AN 6.1)

Reflection Desire can be plotted on a spectrum from strong attraction at one extreme through weaker forms of favoring to first mild and then very strong forms of aversion. At the center point of this range is equanimity, which involves looking upon things with awareness but without positive or negative desire (attraction or aversion). This is not indifference! It is the ability to see clearly, without the interference of desire.  Daily Practice Practice cultivating equanimity in the attitude you take toward the physical sensations felt in the body. We are used to favoring the good ones and opposing the bad ones. Instead, practice regarding both in the same way: aware that the sensation is present, but not categorizing it into liked or disliked. Notice what it feels like to just experience the sensation in a pure way, without the distortions imposed on the mind by desire. Tomorrow: Refraining from Frivolous Speech One week from today: Cultivating Lovingkindness Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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