The Perfection of Equanimity - Perfections and their opposed defilements III
We read about determination:
“Determination is the opposite of these three defilements since,
after vanquishing the vicissitudes of the world,
it remains unshakeable in fulfilling the requisites of enlightenment
in the way they have been undertaken.”
Determination is the opposite of the defilements of attachment, aversion and
ignorance. We should know of ourselves whether we have already firm
determination as to the development of kusala or not yet. This is necessary so
that we become unshakable in accomplishing it. Our determination can easily
vacillate, it may not be firm, and our confidence may not be steady.
We read about metta:
“Loving-kindness is the opposite of greed, hatred, and delusion,
through its seclusion from the hindrances.”
The hindrances (nivarana) are: sensuous desire (kamacchanda), ill-will
(vyapada), sloth and torpor (thina-middha), restlessness and worry (uddhacca-
kukkucca) and doubt (vicikiccha). It is said that lovingkindness is the opposite of
lobha because it is free from the hindrances. Only panna can know whether there
are hindrances or not. If there is no panna one may erroneously believe that there
is metta. In reality there may be lobha, which is the hindrance of sensuous desire.
Panna is essential, and it is also the factor which causes all kusala further to
develop.
We read about equanimity:
“And equanimity is their opposite by dispelling attraction and repulsion
towards desirable and undesirable objects, respectively,
and by proceeding evenly under varying circumstances.”
Equanimity is the opposite of attachment, aversion and ignorance. We should
investigate the characteristics of all ten perfections and see their benefit : they are
opposed to akusala dhammas.
- Citta unaffected by attachment and aversion
- All perfections support and enhance each other
- Perfections and their opposed defilements I
- Perfections and their opposed defilements II
- Perfections and their opposed defilements III
- A thousand goods & a cotton thread
- The wise Lomahamsa I
- The wise Lomahamsa II
- The wise Lomahamsa III
- The wise Lomahamsa IV
- We need all perfections