Grammatical Analysis
Upekkhā: [f.] equanimity; neutrality; looking on. Formed by prefix upa (closely, over) + root ikkhas (to see, look). Literally means “looking on from above” or “watching with detached impartiality,” like a person standing on a hill watching traffic pass in the valley below.
Orthodox Definition
Upekkhā is a term that requires exceptionally careful handling because it operates across multiple layers of Theravāda psychology. The commentaries identify ten distinct kinds of equanimity, but the two most important are:
- As an Affective Feeling (Upekkhā-vedanā): The neutral sensory experience that is neither physically/mentally pleasant (sukha) nor painful (dukkha). Classified as adukkhamasukhā vedanā.
- As a Mental Factor (Tatramajjhattatā-cetasika): The beautiful mental factor of specific mental neutrality, balance, and poise. This is the structural force that keeps the mind from swinging between attachment and aversion.
This second mode forms the fourth Brahmavihāra (Equanimity toward all beings based on understanding their kammassakatā—that they are owners of their actions) and the final factor of the four jhānas. Its “near enemy” is cynical, cold indifference or basic ignorance (aññāṇupekkhā), while its “far enemies” are sensory greed (rāga) and resentment (paṭigha).
Textual References
- Sutta: *Bahuvedanīya Sutta` (MN 59) – Explaining the elevated nature of neutral feeling over ordinary sensuous pleasure.
- Abhidhamma: Dhammasaṅgaṇī (Classification of beautiful mental factors).
- Commentary: Atthasālinī & Visuddhimagga (Chapter IX) – Systematizing the differences between the ten varieties of upekkhā.