Divine Abidings (brahmavihārā)
Skillful qualities / Divine Abidings
Alternative translations: Mature emotions
Also a subtag of Meditation/Techniques
Subtags: Goodwill, Compassion, Empathetic joy, Equanimity
26 excerpts, 2:28:43 total duration

All excerpts (27) Most relevant (11) Questions about (9) Answers involving (16) Stories (1) Quotes (1) Texts (1)

Metta Retreat, Session 4 – Sep. 12, 2008

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18. “When I think of people with spontaneous open generous hearts, they are full of mettā, karuṇā, and muditā, but do not seem equanimous. Can upekkhā come naturally or is it a result of cultivation?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings] [Equanimity] [Conditionality] // [Becoming] [Liberation] [Craving] [Technology]

Quote: “When we say not moved, it doesn’t mean dull, shut down, closed off, but being completely in tune, being very clear, and then not being shaken by anything.” [Clear comprehension]


Abhayagiri Monastic Retreat 2013, Session 5 – Nov. 27, 2013

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10. “Where do the Brahma-Viharas fit into the 4 Noble Truths?’” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Four Noble Truths] [Divine Abidings ] // [Eightfold Path] [Right Intention]


Abhayagiri Monastic Retreat 2013, Session 6 – Nov. 28, 2013

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5. “In the chant ‘Suffusion with the Divine Abidings,’ what does it mean “I will abide pervading the all encompassing world with a heart imbued with loving-kindness. Likewise the second...third...fourth’? Why does it not say something like ‘pervading the entire heart’?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings] [Heart/mind]


Thai Forest Tradition, Session 3 – Jun. 14, 2014

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10. “You mentioned how Ajahn Chah cultivated the brahmavihara of metta and Ajahn Liem cultivated the brahmavihara of equilibrium. Could you talk about this?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Chah] [Goodwill] [Divine Abidings] [Ajahn Liem] [Thai Forest Tradition] // [Personality] [Judaism]

Quote: “Lots of lovingkindness is really tiring. I’m putting more attention on equanimity.” — Ajahn Liem. [Equanimity]


Jhāna: A Practical Approach, Session 4 – Oct. 10, 2015

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7. “I practice the brahmavihāras, and not just on the cushion. How do these relate to jhāna?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings] [Posture/Sitting] [Posture/Walking] [Jhāna] // [Continuity of mindfulness] [Skillful qualities]

Quote: “You can sit on your cushion for a long time. Chickens sit for a long time, and they don’t get enlightened!” — Ajahn Chah. [Ajahn Chah] [Liberation] [Animal]


The Teaching and the Training, Session 9 – Mar. 27, 2018

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7. “What is the importance of the brahmavihārās in balancing out dhutaṅga practices?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings] [Monastic life] [Ascetic practices] // [Recollection/Buddha] [Gladdening the mind] [Attachment to precepts and practices] [Discernment] [Compassion] [Learning] [Arahant]


Abhayagiri 25th Anniversary Retreat, Session 16 – Jun. 13, 2021

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14. “During the Q&A yesterday afternoon, I heard the recommendation to set a boundary (Session 12, question 6). I feel that creating a boundary is falling into the category of the Five Hindrances. The Buddha taught us to practice the brahmaviharas which are boundless. Please clarify why we need to set a boundary.” Answered by Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Hindrances] [Divine Abidings] // [Aversion] [Abuse/violence] [Leadership]


Abhayagiri 25th Anniversary Retreat, Session 19 – Jun. 14, 2021

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11. “Should we consider the brahmavihāras a form of emotion or are they kinds of knowledge or understanding?” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings] [Emotion] [Knowledge and vision]


Madison Insight Retreat 2023, Session 2 – Oct. 14, 2023

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9. “Please offer your thoughts on how to cultivate the brahmavihāras on and off the cushion.” Answered by Ajahn Pasanno. [Divine Abidings ] [Everyday life] // [Spaciousness] [Goodwill] [Compassion] [Empathetic joy] [Equanimity] [Generosity]

Ajahn Vajiro defined the brahamavihāras as the mature emotions. [Ajahn Vajiro] [Divine Abidings ] [Emotion]