The Four Sublime States

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In Buddhism, there are Four Sublime States (brahmavihāras, sometimes called the immeasurables).  According to the history, they were taught directly by the Buddha.

  • Lovingkindness (metta) –  an unconditional desire for all living things to be happy
  • Compassion (karuna) – a desire to relieve suffering of others
  • Sympathetic Joy (mudita) – rejoicing in the good fortune and happiness of others
  • Equanimity (upekkha) – a detached acceptance of existence, good and bad

They are considered by Buddhists to be a strong tool to fight negative attitudes and feelings.  I consider them to to be very strong tools to be more virtuous.

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