Brahma-vihara: The Four Divine States or Four Immeasurables by Barbara O'Brien @ About (dot) com

"The Buddha taught his monks to arouse four states of mind, called the "Brahma-vihara" or "four divine states of dwelling." These four states are sometimes called the "Four Immeasurables" or the "Four Perfect Virtues."

The four states are metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (sympathetic joy or empathy) and upekkha (equanimity), and in many Buddhist traditions these four states are cultivated through meditation. These four states also inter-relate and support each other.

It's important to understand that these mental states are not emotions. Nor is it possible to simply make up your mind you are going to be loving, compassionate, empathetic and balanced from now on. Truly dwelling in these four states requires changing how you experience and perceive yourself and others. Loosening the bonds of self-reference and ego is especially important.

• Metta, Loving Kindness
• Karuna, Compassion
• Mudita, Sympathetic Joy
• Upekkha, Equanimity

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