Aloha
Everyone,
Today I would
like to give you an introduction and definition of Love, Compassion, Joy or
Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity. They are
often known to as THE FOUR IMMEASURABLES or as THE HEART OF ENLIGHTENMENT.
Below is a
beautiful prayer of THE FOUR IMMEASURABLES in English translation.
May all sentient beings have happiness and
its causes,
May all sentient beings be free of suffering
and its causes,
May all sentient beings never be separated
from bliss without suffering,
May all sentient beings be in equanimity,
free of bias, attachment and anger.
In our
meditation class, we will study the Buddhism definition of THE FOUR
IMMEASURABLES as taught by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His Holiness, said, "All sentient beings
are exactly the same in that every one desires happiness and seeks to avoid
misery. We are not isolated entities disconnected from each other. The happiness
and suffering of other beings affect us. This mutual relation is obvious.
Sentient beings have been kind and have benefited us directly and indirectly
throughout beginning of time. These beings are intrinsically the same as us in
their pursuit of happiness and effort to avoid suffering. Thus, it is
essentially logical for us to train in cultivating an impartial attitude
wishing for the happiness of all beings.
1) LOVE
a) This love is: wanting others to be happy.
b) This love is unconditional; we do not choose
who we love or who can love us.
c) This love requires courage and complete
acceptance including acceptance of you.
2) COMPASSION
a) This compassion wants others to be free from
suffering.
b) This compassion takes place when one feels
the pain and suffering with someone,.
c) This compassion is an unselfish, detached
emotion and sense of regency to help.
3) SYMPATHETIC JOY
a) This sympathetic joy is being genuinely happy
with someone else's happiness.
b) This sympathetic joy is an unselfish and very
positive mental attitude.
4) EQUANIMITY
a) This equanimity means to have a clear,
tranquil state of mind.
b) This equanimity means not being overpowered
by delusions or mental agitation.
c) This equanimity does not distinguish between friend,
enemy or stranger. Every sentient being are
regarded as equal.
So let's
begin our practice of Four Immeasurable right this moment. Hope you will learn them and apply them in
your daily lives.
Namaste --
Cathi
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