Here are some zen thoughts to consider for singers and non-singers alike:
Which is more important to you, equanimity or equality? Definitions are below
Which do you think would be most effective in solving the problems in the world?
Equanimity describes the unattached awareness of one's experience as a result of perceiving the impermanence of momentary reality. It is a peace of mind and abiding calmness that cannot be shaken by any grade of unfortunate circumstance. It is a concept promoted by several major religious groups as follows:
Buddhism
In Buddhism, upekkha is considered
Neither a thought nor an emotion, it is rather the steady conscious realization of reality's transience. It is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love. While some may think of equanimity as dry neutrality or cool aloofness, mature equanimity produces a radiance and warmth of being. The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as "abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will.
Yoga
Upeksha is also mentioned in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (1.33), as one of the four sublime attitudes, along with maitri (loving-friendliness), karuna (compassion), and mudita (gladness, goodwill). This list is identical to the Four Immeasurables in Buddhist literature.
Judaism
Many Jewish thinkers highlight the importance of equanimity (menuhat ha-nefesh or yishuv ha-da'at) as a necessary foundation for moral and spiritual development. The virtue of equanimity receives particular attention in the writings of rabbis such as Menachem Mendel Lefin and Simcha Zissel Ziv.
Christianity
Samuel Johnson defined equanimity as "evenness of mind, neither elated nor depressed." In Christian philosophy, equanimity is considered essential for carrying out the theological virtues of gentleness, contentment, temperance, and charity.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, equanimity is the concept of balance and centeredness which endures through all possible changes in circumstances. According to the Bhagavad Gita, one may achieve equanimity through meditation.
OR
Equality as referring to any or all of these social concepts:
Egalitarianism, the belief that all/some people ought to be treated equally
Equality before the law
Equal opportunity
Equality of outcome or equality of condition
Gender equality
Racial equality (disambiguation)
Social equality
Citations are from wikipedia
Friday, October 16, 2009
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Equanimity is more important to me , and it should help to solvesome world problems. If we happen to realize that reality is momentary, we may not feel so attached to certain realities built up by our own fear of change. Accepting that nothing stays the same should help most people to put up with what cannot be changed or prevented.
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