Upekkhā

Upekkhā ( Pali ; Sanskrit Upekṣā, "equanimity") is a central term in Buddhist mind training. Upekkhā is part of both the four immeasurable ( Brahmavihara ) and the seven elements of enlightenment ( Bojjhanga ).

The spectrum of meanings of this term also includes serenity , non-clinging, non-distinguishing, letting go. Equanimity should express the "wisdom of equality", that is, the ability to view all people as equal and not to make any differences between oneself and others. The condition of the state of equanimity is therefore to omit the dualistic distinction between oneself and others.

Upekkhā is considered a noble and karmically wholesome appearance in the groups of existence ( Khandha ), in the (sub) group of the mental formations (sankhāra-kkhandha) and has the healing power to overcome the Five Obstacles ( Nīvarana ), especially its direct enemy , the Restlessness and excitement caused by greed and anger; but also the indirect or close enemy , the mindset of indifference , which seems deceptively similar to equanimity . Through equanimity the fourth and highest deepening ( jhāna ) is reached, the basis for attaining the higher spiritual powers and thus the path to arahantship .