Sublime States

^z 24th September 2023 at 3:04pm

Chapter 13 ("The Psychological States of Awakened Beings") of How to Wake Up by Toni Bernhard lists four "radiant emotions" — though the middle pair seem to really be just positive and negative aspects of one fundamental concept. Bernhard's catalog, which she explores in further detail in Chapters 15-18:

  • Kindness and Friendliness — heartful feelings toward others, the Pali word metta. Bernhard endorses Sylvia Boorstein's practice of "just looking at a person and silently saying 'I love you.'"
  • Compassion — recognition of suffering, in others and in oneself, and feeling sympathy. Bernhard suggests thinking:
    • I hope you have people in your life who care about your suffering.
    • We share this planet and our suffering; know that I care.
    • May your suffering ease soon.
    • May you be as well as possible.
  • Appreciative Joy — feeling happiness in response to another person's pleasure, the Pali word mudita.
  • Equanimity — evenness of temper, balance, steadiness. Bernhard in particular counsels letting go the goal of repairing broken people, no matter how tragic their situation — don't be "The Fixer"! — and instead recommends reciting phrases such as:
    • I love you, but I cannot keep you from experiencing suffering.
    • Your happiness and unhappiness depend on your actions, not on my wishes for you.
    • May you live in peace regardless of your circumstances.
    • May you accept with grace both your successes and your disappointments.

... and importantly: apply those "divine abidings" to one's self!

^z - 2017-01-05