As with the others, upekkha springs from paticca samuppada, the co-arising web in which we take being. As we regard another, we can let our consciousness sink within like a stone, below the level of word and deed to the depths of our co-arising. In each moment, it arises in new forms, but underneath the dynamic unfolding of reality persists and sustains, and in that web we can rest. Out of it we cannot fall. Below the separate “I’s” that arise over time, that net is what we are, and in it we find the great peace of upekkha.”
— Joanna Macy in World as Lover, World as Self
Upekkha is a Pali word often translated as equanimity or impartiality. It refers to a state of psychological stability, composure and balance that is not easily shaken by the ups and downs of life. It is one of the four Brahmaviharas (sublime attitudes) and is considered an essential practice in Buddhism to cultivate a loving, altruistic attitude towards all beings.
However, it is worth noting that the term equanimity, which suggests a kind of emotional balance or impartiality, does not fully capture the profound nuance of upekkha. A more accurate interpretation of upekkha is non-egocentricity, which conveys the practice of transcending self-centredness in moral judgments and emotional responses.
In mettamancy, upekkha represents the cultivation of universal moral consideration that extends beyond personal preferences and relationships.
The Nature of Upekkha
At its core, upekkha is about maintaining an even attitude towards all beings, without distinction. We often have the tendency to create in-groups and out-groups—such as friends, family, or other close associations—where moral values are often applied selectively in relation to us. Typically, these distinctions place ourselves at the center of one's moral universe, embodying a form of egoistic morality. Upekkha, in contrast, teaches the removal of the self from this central position, advocating for a universal moral consideration that does not fluctuate based on personal relationships.
In Mettamancy, uppekha manifests as:
- A steadfast foundation that enables the authentic expression of universal benevolence
- An active recognition of the equality of all life, transcending ego-driven distinctions
- A wise, balanced awareness that maintains composure amidst life's fluctuations
- The capacity to respond to situations with intention rather than reactivity
- A practice of extending moral consideration universally, without discrimination
By embodying upekkha, we cultivate a perspective where all beings are treated with the same moral regard, thus stepping away from the ego-driven biases that frequently govern human interactions.
Upekkha and the Brahmaviharas
Upekkha holds a unique position among the brahmaviharas, serving as both a practice in itself and a stabilizing force that supports the other sublime attitudes:
- It provides the wisdom that guides metta's unconditional expression
- It offers the balance needed for karuna to persist without leading to burnout
- It enables mudita to flourish free from comparison or attachment
In Mettamancy, we recognize that upekkha is essential for the sustained practice of universal goodwill, as it helps practitioners maintain their dedication in the face of obstacles and challenges that are part of life.
Why is it important to cultivate upekkha?
Cultivating upekkha, or non-egocentric equanimity, is crucial for mental stability and balance. This practice helps us stay calm and steady through life's ups and downs. In Buddhist teachings, the unpredictable ebbs and flows of life is often referred as the "eight worldly winds": pleasure and pain, gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute.
Through upekkha, one maintains composure and remains even-tempered amid these inevitable fluctuations, ensuring that one is not disproportionately swayed by external circumstances.
The power of upekkha lies in its promotion of a wise, non-reactive awareness. It allows individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions objectively, without becoming entangled in them. This detachment is not a form of disconnection but a heightened clarity that prevents one from being overwhelmed by transient mental states. By fostering this space of non-reactivity, upekkha enables one to respond to situations with skill and intention rather than impulsive reactivity.
Moreover, upekkha also supports the other brahmaviharas—loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), and empathetic joy (mudita). These four sublime attitudes are central to Buddhist practice and are interdependent. It provides the necessary grounding and wisdom that allow these qualities to flourish, enhancing one’s ability to engage with others and the world in a more profound and meaningful way.
Lastly, upekkha serves as a foundation for compassionate action. Unlike indifference or apathy, true upekkha is a balanced state that allows deep caring without emotional overwhelm. It ensures that one’s compassion does not lead to burnout, enabling sustained and effective engagement in the alleviation of suffering.
The cultivation of upekkha is not merely beneficial but essential for anyone seeking to live a balanced, insightful, and compassionate life, free from the binds of personal suffering and capable of contributing positively to the world.
Related terms
- Brahmavihara
- Metta
- Karuna (Compassion)
- Mudita (Sympathetic Joy)
- Upekkha (Equanimity)
- Metta Meditation
