Understanding Equanimity

Equanimity is a word that you may not have heard before attending a Recovery Dharma meeting. The English word equanimity is translated as “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper,” but the Pali word Uppekha can be translated in many ways; “equanimity,” “nonattachment,” “nondiscrimination,” “impartiality.”

According to mindfulness teacher and author Kaira Jewel Lingo, “The word is formed from the prefix upa, which can mean “over” or “all around,” and the root ikh, meaning “to look” or “to see.” It is the capacity to see the full picture, like from the top of a high mountain, to perceive a situation in its entirety without bias.” (How Equanimity Powers Love, Lion’s Roar)

According to the RD text, “equanimity allows us to be right in the middle of things, to understand and accept things as they are without needing to escape.” (p.25)

To quote Rising Lotus Sangha, “think about a peaceful lake with undisturbed water that reflects the surrounding mountains with perfect clarity. This is the nature, the feel of equanimity. It’s not passive resignation but an active and engaged state of mind that allows us to respond to life’s ups and downs with wisdom and grace.” (Finding Calm in the Storm: The Practice of Equanimity)

Listen to a short talk and guided practice on Equanimity
by Kaira Jewel Lingo (15 mins)

Sunday, August 25th was our most recent Intersangha Meeting!
The board voted unanimously to add Peter Medlock of Sangha House to the board in the role of Events Chair.

Read the full meeting notes here.