The four immeasurables, also known as the four abodes or Brahmavihari, are states of mind that are practiced to counteract negative attitudes and emotions, and to cultivate true happiness. Considered a vitally important part of the Buddhist path, the four immeasurables addresses one of the core aspects of Buddhism, in that all sentient beings or life forms are interdependent and connected. It also addresses that fact that we as humans wish to be happy in this life, but that true happiness cannot be achieved in isolation. Instead it is meant to be cultivated by opening our hearts not only to ourselves, but also to all of life. The practice of the four immeasurables assists us in opening the heart and cultivating happiness that is directed toward all sentient beings. This, in turn, can also produce karma that is immeasurable.
The four immeasurables are traditionally nurtured through daily meditation ,an attitude of awareness and a softening of the heart. They consist of:
- Metta: Loving-Kindness (the desire to for all sentient beings to achieve happiness. Also, the resolve to get involved in order to help bring this about.)
- Karuna: Compassion (the desire for all sentient beings to be free from suffering and the resolve to help bring this about.)
- Mudita: Altruistic joy (Wanting all sentient beings to never be separated from true joy, which includes both temporal happiness and spiritual enlightenment)
- Upekkha: Equanimity (that all sentient beings will be free from anger and bias, and live together in equanimity)
These four immeasurables consist of the first the wish or desire, an aspiration or goal, and the resolve to carry it out. So, in this way, they put us into the thick of life through both our desires and our participation in helping to cultivate true happiness in the world.
The four immeasurables can also help us to learn more about ourselves as we travel through this life and to have a greater awareness of why certain feelings such as anger, jealousy or even apathy may arise. It's important for one to be aware of and observe these attitudes that can hinder the cultivation of happiness for ourselves and for all sentient beings. It also may seem next to impossible at times to feel compassion toward someone who has done us harm or who has done harm to society. But rather than judging ourselves or withdrawing from life, we can learn to be honest with ourselves about why we are feeling this way and then work to apply the appropriate dharma antidote to help us in our cultivation of good karma and happiness.
For example, if feelings of anger become overwhelming, you can ask yourself why you are feeling this anger. Are you hurt? Are you prejudiced toward the person? Through honest introspection you can learn why it is you're feeling this anger and then apply the proper antidote, such as realizing that the other person may have been acting the way they did because they were suffering. Once this realization comes into place then you can open your heart, wish them happiness and peace and expand your own feelings of happiness.
The four immeasurables are a life-long practice that can help bring about positive and wholesome changes in your life. It takes honesty and perseverance to bring about these changes but with patience and daily practice and meditation they will come about and you will achieve more happiness in your life.
Suggested Reading
Boundless Heart: The Cultivation of the Four Immeasurables by B. Alan Wallace
