Overview
The Divine Abodes (Brahmavihāra) are the supreme attitudes for relating to other living beings. In Theravāda, they serve a dual purpose: they guarantee perfect social harmony and generate immense merit, and when developed to the level of absorption (jhāna), they serve as powerful foundations for insight meditation.
The List
- Mettā - Loving-kindness: The sincere wish for all beings to be happy, safe, and peaceful. It is the direct antidote to hatred (dosa) and ill-will.
- Karuṇā - Compassion: The quivering of the heart in response to the suffering of others, coupled with the desire to alleviate it. It is the direct antidote to cruelty (vihiṃsā).
- Muditā - Sympathetic Joy: Rejoicing in the success, happiness, and prosperity of others. It is the direct antidote to envy and jealousy (issā).
- Upekkhā - Equanimity: A balanced, impartial state of mind that views all beings with unshakeable neutrality, understanding that beings are the owners of their kamma. It is the direct antidote to both attachment and resentment.
Textual References
- Canonical: Mettā Sutta (Sn 1.8) – The classic discourse detailing the cultivation of universal loving-kindness.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter IX) – Provides the complete meditation manual on how to break down the barriers between oneself and others using these four subjects.