Equanimity: closely watching over a collected mind

Once the mind is collected, stop adjusting it — look on with balanced attention and let it run on its own.

Por que funciona

In MN 118 and SN 46.3 the final factor arises when the meditator “closely watch[es] over that mind immersed in samādhi.” Equanimity as an awakening factor is this balanced on-looking: the work of rousing and calming is done, and further interference would only disturb the balance. This is related to, but not the same as, equanimity as one of the four boundless states practised toward other people. It is the third factor the Fire discourse prescribes for a restless mind, and in MN 118 all seven factors “ripen as letting go.”

Como fazer

1. When a sitting has become steady, notice the urge to keep fixing it — to deepen it, check it, improve it.
2. Let that urge go, and simply watch the mind continue as it is.
3. If the balance tips — toward dullness or agitation — notice it, make one small correction, then return to watching.
4. Close the sitting by noticing how little needed to be done once the mind was balanced.

Evidência

The arising of equanimity as “closely watching over” a concentrated mind is in MN 118 and SN 46.3; its role in settling a restless mind is in SN 46.53. Support is textual and practitioner-based. The dedicated upekkhā page covers equanimity toward people and situations. (anecdotal)

Not studied as such. Equanimity offered too early — before the mind is actually collected — can slide into passivity, which on a sluggish mind the Fire discourse warns against.

Fontes

• Sujato, B. (trans.). Mindfulness of Breathing (Ānāpānassatisutta, Majjhima Nikāya 118). SuttaCentral.
• Sujato, B. (trans.). Ethics (Sīlasutta, Saṃyutta Nikāya 46.3). SuttaCentral.
• Sujato, B. (trans.). Fire (Aggisutta, Saṃyutta Nikāya 46.53). SuttaCentral.

Erro comum

Mistaking checked-out indifference for equanimity — the factor is close, attentive watching over a collected mind, not not-caring what the mind is doing.