The first mind is that of loving-kindness, which is offering happiness to others. Second is the mind of compassion, which is the intention and wish to relieve the suffering of others. Third is joy, which is felt when beings experience happiness. And fourth is equanimity, being neither averse to nor attached to anything. We understand that we cannot cause others to transcend suffering or to feel happiness or joy, but we still have the wish that all beings will be able to accomplish such freedom and joyfulness. The first mind is loving-kindness, which is the practice of selflessness, of constantly seeking to benefit others, of helping others to find happiness. When we wish to hurt another, we are experiencing anger. If we then wait for an opportunity to inflict harm on that person, we are experiencing animosity. When animosity continues for a long time it becomes hostility. When we act upon these thoughts through speech or actions, the hostility becomes cruelty. Loving-kindness is the way to counter these destructive emotions.
Posted on: Fri, 27 Sep 2013 22:27:14 +0000
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