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Grammatical Analysis
Brahmavihāra: [m.] divine abodes; sublime states; boundless states. Formed by Brahma (sublime, divine, highest) + vihāra (dwelling, living, state of being). Literally means “dwelling in the highest, most sublime manner.”
Orthodox Definition
The Brahmavihāras represent the four boundless social attitudes and meditative states that a practitioner cultivates toward all sentient beings throughout the cosmos. They are also known as the Appamaññā (the Immeasurables) because they must be radiated without limits, boundaries, or partiality.
The four states are:
- Mettā (Loving-kindness): The wish for all beings to experience happiness and safety. Directly counteracts ill-will (dosa).
- Karuṇā (Compassion): The trembling of the heart when witnessing the suffering of others, accompanied by the wish for them to be free of it. Counteracts cruelty (vihesā).
- Muditā (Sympathetic Joy): Rejoicing in the success, happiness, and virtues achieved by other beings. Directly counteracts envy and jealousy (issā).
- Upekkhā (Equanimity): The unshakeable neutrality of mind that views all beings impartially through the understanding of the law of kamma. Counteracts resentment and anxiety.
Cultivating these states systematically through samatha practice can elevate the mind to secure the first three jhānas (for Mettā, Karuṇā, and Muditā) and the fourth jhāna (exclusively for Upekkhā).
Quote
Jhānappabhedatoti appanāvahesu cettha ānāpānassatiyā saddhiṃ dasa kasiṇā catukkajjhānikā honti.
By way of jhāna-divisions: Among these meditation subjects productive of absorption, the ten kasiṇas, together with mindfulness of breathing, are associated with the four jhānas.Kāyagatāsatiyā saddhiṃ dasa asubhā paṭhamajjhānikā.
The ten asubhas, together with mindfulness of the body, are associated with the first jhāna.Purimā tayo brahmavihārā tikajjhānikā.
The first three brahmavihāras are associated with the three jhānas.Catutthabrahmavihāro cattāro ca āruppā catutthajjhānikāti evaṃ jhānappabhedato.
The fourth brahmavihāra and the four āruppas are associated with the fourth jhāna. Thus, by way of jhāna-divisions.— Visuddhimagga (Chapter III)
Textual References
- Sutta: Tevijja Sutta (DN 13) – Where the Buddha details the radiation of the brahmavihāras to all directions as the true path to union with Great Brahma.
- Abhidhamma: Vibhaṅga (Chapter XIII, Appamaññāvibhaṅga).
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter IX) – The absolute, exhaustive commentarial guide on the cultivation, enemies, and perfections of the four divine abodes.