Discussion questions for the UUCQC Spiritual Sharing Group Please join us to discuss this topic and these questions at 6:45- 8PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, in the Community Room at UUCQC Equanimity is a state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause others to lose the balance of their mind. It is the quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure. The virtue and value of equanimity is extolled and advocated by a number of major religions and ancient philosophies. Is That So? A beautiful girl in the village was pregnant. Her angry parents demanded to know who was the father. At first resistant to confess, the anxious and embarrassed girl finally pointed to Hakuin, the Zen master whom everyone previously revered for living such a pure life. When the outraged parents confronted Hakuin with their daughters accusation, he simply replied Is that so? When the child was born, the parents brought it to the Hakuin, who now was viewed as a pariah by the whole village. They demanded that he take care of the child since it was his responsibility. Is that so? Hakuin said calmly as he accepted the child. For many months he took very good care of the child until the daughter could no longer withstand the lie she had told. She confessed that the real father was a young man in the village whom she had tried to protect. The parents immediately went to Hakuin to see if he would return the baby. With profuse apologies they explained what had happened. Is that so? Hakuin said as he handed them the child. How did the monk in the story display equanimity? What events or occurrences tend to throw you off your center? What spiritual practice can we develop that helps us to grow in equanimity?
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 19:00:00 +0000