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.


Topic 286