simple gifts

 

Numerous Buddhist traditions consider the four immeasurables—

loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity—

an important group of principles and practices.

The practice of the four immeasurables helps ourselves and others, 

for only by giving selflessly with our actions, speech, 

and thoughts do we truly find joy.

~ Loving-kindness (metta or maitri) is an attitude 

of wishing all beings are well, joyful, and happy,

 now and in the future.

~ Compassion (karuna) is the wish for all beings to be

 free of suffering, grief, and misery, 

now and in the future.

~ Appreciative joy (mudita) is a state of mind in which

 we rejoice in the joys and qualities of all sentient beings,

 and express gratitude for what we have.

~ Equanimity (upeksa) is the attitude of recognizing all 

sentient beings as equal and seeing

 the oneness in all beings.

When we adopt such attitudes toward all living things

without distinction or bias— including ourselves, 

our family members, friends, acquaintances, strangers, 

and even our enemies — they become immeasurable.

~ Venerable Hui Cheng

monk of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order

with thanks to Lions Roar