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
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