Significance of Upekkha
Upekkha, a Pali term in Theravada Buddhism, signifies 'taking up a balanced view.' It emphasizes maintaining neutrality between sorrow and happiness without falling into indifference or negligence. This concept aligns with equanimity, a virtue that is an essential component of the Brahma-vihara teachings, advocating for a calm, balanced mindset amidst life's varying emotions.
Synonyms: Equanimity, Serenity, Calmness, Tranquility, Detachment, Even-mindedness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Upekkha'
Upekkha in Buddhism signifies maintaining a balanced view, promoting equanimity between sorrow and happiness without negligence. It is a key virtue in the Brahma-vihara teachings, emphasizing emotional stability and neutrality.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Equanimity that accompanies certain mental processes, particularly during undesirable situations.[1] (2) Impartiality or equanimity, a balanced mental state developed through meditation, signifying a refined detachment from pleasure and pain.[2] (3) Equanimity or Indifference, described as a state that some believe does not include Compassion and Appreciative Joy.[3] (4) Equanimity, the ability to maintain mental balance despite emotional fluctuations.[4] (5) A state of equanimity or neutrality, free from attachment and aversion.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The Perfection of Equanimity, which promotes mental stability and detachment in the face of life's fluctuations.[6] (2) Equanimity, another virtue that forms part of the Brahma-vihara teachings.[7] (3) A Pali term meaning 'taking up a balanced view,' referring to the maintenance of neutrality between sorrow and happiness and not being indifferent or negligent.[8]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Indifferent feeling that may accompany certain types of cittas, neither pleasant nor unpleasant.[9] (2) Indifferent feeling that can accompany cittas, allowing for a neutral response to experiences.[10]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) A neutral feeling neither associated with pleasantness nor unpleasantness, often arising in various states of consciousness.[11] (2) Upekkha is equanimity, representing a balanced mental state free from both pleasure and pain.[12]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Indifferent feeling characterized as neither happy nor unhappy, which can arise with various types of cittas.[13] (2) Indifferent feeling that can arise with various types of citta, including kusala, akusala, vipaka, and kiriya.[14]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Equanimity; a state of mental calmness and neutrality in the mind that can be linked to the rebirth consciousness of bodhisattas.[15]