Equanimity🔗

• The permanent peaceful state we possess within us is - Equanimity.
• Equanimity The spokesman who releases the news that we are in perfect health.
• Equanimity The symbol of a spiritual person.

Equanimity - If we possess it, we are the prime minister of our house.

• If we are able to handle anger, that is equanimity.

If anger handles us, it is lack of equanimity.

• Handling anger as a mere energy to be used only at the time of necessity, is the first step towards equanimity.

I will tell you a story of a Buddhist monk. Listen.

That Buddhist monk received an unexpected invitation. The person who gave the invitation was a prostitute. She blocked his way and asked the monk in her own begging and seductive manner, 'You must stay in my house for the entire rainy season."

Nobody can think, even in a dream, of a monk receiving such an invitation.

A monk is a man who has detached himself from the grips of all feelings and from the dragnet of sexual pleasures (not by running away from all this), and has approached the next step in life with equanimity. Such monks will never get disturbed under any type of circumstances and environment. Their equanimity will help them celebrate all types of circumstances in totality.

The lotus which enjoys its coolness and presence of water. under any circumstances, will not stick to the water. Even if the water tries, it cannot stick to the lotus. A lotus will remain as a lotus.

A true monk will be only like this. Whether a person is living with the society or in a palace, because he remains independent and is with tranquility, whoever he is really a monk! A saint!

With a smile the monk said, 'If your invitation is true and sincere, certainly I will come.'

The prostitute was shocked to hear this, since she had asked the monk playfully as she had thought that the monk would ask her, 'What question did you ask? Are you in your normal senses to know that you are asking this question to whom? Are not the sins committed by you so far not enough and hence started to spoil the monks also?' She had thought that she could enjoy all this and have a hearty laugh.

Without showing her surprise and shock, she said, 'Hmm… Yes, I am inviting you sincerely and truly.'

The monk said, 'I will come, but after getting the permission from the Buddha, I will come. Until then, you have to wait.'

She said, 'Oh, yes. I will surely wait.'

She also said, 'After you have promised to come, is Buddha's permission necessary?'

The monk said, 'The promise I gave that I will come, is the experiential clarity I had from my equanimity; asking for permission is my duty. '

Next day, after the Buddha's discourse was over, the monk told the Buddha, 'On my way, one prostitute blocked my way and invited me to come and stay in her mansion for the entire rainy season.'

The Buddha said, 'Why are you asking my permission for such things? If one is disturbed by an ordinary woman like a prostitute, he cannot be a true monk. '

A true monk cannot be disturbed by any woman.

'Without getting disturbed and waiting only for my permission, you are a true saint. You can go boldly. For you, a prostitute's mansion and a monastery are same. Take rest for the entire rainy season and return.'

The monk went to the prostitute's house. The prostitute received him with love and affection and served him to her heart's content. Each day she celebrated differently. She utilized all her known ways with a variety of dress, foods and celebrations, etc. She started slowly shivering mentally. Because, by this time an average man would have become a slave to her, but this monk was always remaining with a clear mind under all circumstances. The prostitute could not shake even a little, the peace and tranquility in him. The question started arising in her mind as to how it was possible for this monk to remain calm and composed even when whatever happens.

One morning, the prostitute was holding his feet and crying.

The monk asked. 'Oh girl, why are you crying?' She replied. 'I cannot act any further. How is it possible for you to remain peaceful and calm? I want to know the secret immediately?' she asked begging.

The monk replied. 'It is very easy.'

'Firstly, find out how much you are disturbed and also find out how much mental balance you have. Half the problem will be solved.

Secondly, whenever vou feel disturbed, be with awareness. Be fully aware as to how much you are disturbed, how you are disturbed and what for you are disturbed. If you continue to remain with your awareness or in an awakened state, a change will happen within you.' the monk said.

The prostitute utilized the teachings of the monk in her day to day life. As she continued to use them, she realized that gradually equanimity was flowering in her.

What a surprise! After a month, when the rainy season was over and the monk started to leave saying, 'Good-bye' to her ......She said very calmly and with equanimity, 'Please take me also to the Buddha. I also want to become a monk.' Equanimity is real peace, equanimity is real independence. Equanimity is real tranquility. To enter from 'lack of equanimity' to 'equanimity', it is enough if you have the visa of 'Awareness.' You will reach equanimity.

As you have realized the value of equanimity, you will be eagerly awaiting to get equanimity.

Equanimity is O.K. What does 'lack of equanimity' mean?

How to reach 'equanimity,' from 'lack of equanimity?'

Is 'lack of equanimity' vacillation?

If you want to get answers for such questions arising in you, read the topic 'Lack of Equanimity.'

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