Relating Equanimity to Mindfulness
Mindfulness November 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01671-z (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractEquanimity, a key dimension of mindfulness cultivation, is not a single construct but encompasses different types recognized in Buddhist traditions. One type is equanimity as a divine abode or immeasurable, while another is equanimity as the absence of compulsive reactivity driven by likes and dislikes. This article surveys early Buddhist passages to provide a more nuanced understanding of equanimity and its relationship to mindfulness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that early Buddhist texts distinguish between equanimity as a divine abode or immeasurable and equanimity as the absence of compulsive reactivity by way of likes and dislikes, offering a more fine-grained understanding of equanimity in relation to mindfulness. |
Abstract
AbstractA recent surge of interest in equanimity as an important and transformative dimension of the cultivation of mindfulness can benefit from discerning different types of equanimity recognized in the Buddhist traditions, such as between equanimity as a divine abode or immeasurable and equanimity as the absence of compulsive reactivity by way of likes and dislikes. In order to provide an early Buddhist background to a more fine-grained understanding of the construct of equanimity, the present article surveys key passages on equanimity in their relationship to mindfulness.