Equanimity Meditation: Last of the Brahmaviharas

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5 жыл бұрын

In this video we will look at the meditation practice of equanimity in the Brahmavihāras or so-called abodes of the gods. We will begin with a look at what equanimity means in early Buddhism, and its importance. We will turn to a couple of practices of equanimity meditation, one from the early and one from the later tradition.
After making this video I realized that I hadn't included the third type of practice that was mentioned in the earlier three videos on the Brahmavihāras. I think you all should be able to extrapolate from those practices to this, but if you have questions don't hesitate to ask. :-)
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Book mentioned:
Sharon Salzberg, Lovingkindness amzn.to/2E9Xu6V
Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification) amzn.to/2QsYUPJ
Suttas mentioned:
Lovingkindness (SN 46.54): suttacentral.net/sn46.54/en/s...
Sīvaka (SN 36.21) suttacentral.net/sn36.21/en/b...
The Development of the Faculties (MN 152): suttacentral.net/mn152/en/sujato
Spiritual (SN 36.31): suttacentral.net/sn36.31/en/b...
Themes (AN 5.57) suttacentral.net/an5.57/en/bodhi
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Please visit the Secular Buddhist Association webpage!
secularbuddhism.org/
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Пікірлер: 56

@xiaomaozen 3 жыл бұрын

Whenever I think of equanimity, the metaphor of water pops up. Water doesn't take anything personally. It handles all obstacles with the greatest of ease. It can flow to the left or the right, over or under...

@americo8568 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Doug. I believe by taking these approaches we become more considerate, wiser and kinder to others while trying to understand ourselves. Thanks again.

@wvalohaful 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your response.

@patrickacolifloresvillasen1731

Thank you, Doug!

@sidstovell2177 4 жыл бұрын

Equanimity-a very hard practice, a year after this talk. Thank you, Doug.

@williamjohns9322 5 жыл бұрын

hey Doug, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Brahmaviharas, I just watched this one, I need to go back and watch the others. I always had a little trouble with the concept of equanimity and your explanation here was quite clear and helpful. Thank you. We recently picked up a copy of In The Buddha's Words by Bhikku Bodhi after watching your review of good early texts and are really finding it helpful. Your knowledge of the texts and the amount of time you spend preparing these vlogs really shows. Maybe it is time for a vlog on dana. I don't know if this is your sole means of supporting yourself but dana is an essential part of the practice, both in giving and receiving, key elements for the digital sangha that you have going on here. Please do keep up the good work, it is much appreciated.

@shyaaammeneen63 Жыл бұрын

Very nice video. Practicing equanimity in daily life. Be careful what you feed your mind. Avoid comparing yourself with others, reduce watching negative social media and avoid constipation as it affects the mind instantly. Your breathing is closely related to the brain [mind] and gives relief from stress-anxiety. For a relaxed mind observe the sensations of your incoming--outgoing breath at the entrance of the nostrils for 10-15-20 minutes or more. You can sit or lay down anywhere-anytime. No deep breathing. Don’t fight your thoughts. With practice the mind will relax. Keep a reminder to observe your breath sensations throughout the day and night at home, at work, when travelling etc with eyes open or closed. One more tip is to sit on a chair without moving, be still and observe your breath. Stillness reduces thoughts and brings relief. Like me make this a lifetime habit to have a better life. Best wishes--Counsellor.

@homebody13 5 жыл бұрын

One classically begins metta practise with ‘May I be happy, peaceful, etc’, then work towards spreading it out.

@ConexionHumanaOficial 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this excellent class my wonderful teacher. Evangelina CORTES.

@benjaminben2392 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doug

@connorhillen Жыл бұрын

The last points really helped in my meditation on this. I've it easier to meditate on equanimity by going to the five reflections, and placing focus on the impermanent experience and on the chaotic and unpredictable interdependent nature of our actions and reactions. It helped avoid the feeling of indifference and aim toward the feeling of acceptance. That seemed to cultivate the feeling, and from there it became the focus. Great video as always and it's been a really helpful series to save and reflect on occasionally :)

@afanasibushmanov7463 5 жыл бұрын

Interesting topic. I pretty much already knew most of what you said from your previous videos, but thanks for refreshing my memory. Based on what you said in this video, it seems like practicing vipassana and focusing on the 3 marks of existence can help us cultivate equanimity.

@danielbrooks5683 2 жыл бұрын

I realize the limitations, and contradictory nature of language, and conceptual expression, however it strikes me as odd that a practice of equanimity would encourage making judgements such a “neutral person”, “friendly” “antagonistic”, within the context of non-discrimination. My personal take on the meaning of equanimity also includes the caveat that one accepts the possibility of being in a perturbed state at one level of mind, yet the higher level of witnessing, remains undisturbed. “ ah look there he goes falling into that familiar trap again, we know how that illusion is performed”. So in practice we are “beholding”, or holding our being in a knowing and loving way, so as to experience being held with that same love and care. One of the affirmations I find helpful is “I accept the process of life” this reminds me that no matter what takes place, all is one, all is well.

@MeistroJB 2 жыл бұрын

Great term, 'secular Buddhism'. Brings to mind the big difference between philosophical (good) and religious (not) Taoism. Another difference; the tonsured Sangha and the rest of us, into which we too can find refuge. Sangham surinam gachami.

@fingerprint5511 Жыл бұрын

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

@seriouslyspikey1733 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great video and explanation. i know im very late to this video, but i was wondering if you had a video, or could explain, more techniques on how to stay calm during a conflict. thanks.

@byrd5156 Жыл бұрын

Good vid

@pushkarkumar2757 3 жыл бұрын

i practice equanimity on every sensation i observe in my body

@joetize 4 жыл бұрын

(See the difference of 'jnana' and 'dhyana' in sanskrit ✌ )

@fireatwill8143 Жыл бұрын

Hi Doug. Could I ask if you see the Brahmaviharas needing to be practiced in the order they are listed? Given the so called dangers of the first three, wouldn't equanimity be something of a prerequisite? Thanks in advance. 😊