Summary:
Vivekachudamani, Verse 87: Equanimity toward objects with acceptable and unacceptable qualities arises from three sources: reducing binding likes/dislikes by entertaining limitation in whatever grips you; seeing one Intelligence through all phenomena; and abiding as the changeless substratum, knowing nothing can add to or take from Consciousness. The jñānī's equanimity flows from knowing “I” have no connection to appearances, while the karma-yogī's equanimity comes from discipline, right intention, and finding joy in giving – independent of another's appreciation.
Vivekachudamani – Verse 87: The Eye of Equanimity
गुण दोष विशिष्टे अस्मिन् स्वभावेन विलक्षणे
सर्वत्र सम-दर्शित्वं जीवन्मुक्तस्य लक्षणम् (४३३, अल्त् ४३४)
guṇa doṣa viśiṣṭe asmin svabhāvena vilakṣaṇe
sarvatra sama-darśitvaṁ jīvanmuktasya lakṣaṇam (433, Alt 434)
A vision of equanimity with reference to objects of this world, which are endowed with acceptable and unacceptable qualities and are distinct from each other by nature, is the characteristic of the jīvanmukta.
Alt: He or she views apparently distinct objects endowed with acceptable and unacceptable qualities equally.
Equanimity in reference to acceptable/unacceptable qualities is product of three things:
- Psychology:
- Reduction of binding likes/dislikes: Reduction of binding likes/dislikes through entertaining the limitations of worldly objects and life in general. Life is made up of pairs of opposites (dvanda), composed of 5 elements, and never stable. Entertain doṣa (defectiveness/limitation) in whatever has a grip on you. This helps you stop glorifying or giving things excess value, taking your power of discipline away.
- Pratipaksha-bhavana: Whenever negative or unhelpful thought arises – add one positive or helpful thought. Such as, if you feel jealous towards someone’s success, take a moment to remind yourself to work smarter and get your act together.
- Seeing the World Through Eyes of the Scriptures:
- Seeing the one Intelligence in and through all phenomena/objects. (Īśvara darśanam; vision of the Lord in everything)
- Abidance in the Changeless Substratum (Brahman):
- The equanimity is a byproduct of abiding as the eternal reality. Knowing nothing can injure or hurt you. There's nothing in the universe that can give you more, or take away from you (Consciousness). This gives much relaxation, without burden of proving oneself (which is always a product of seeing oneself as an individual who has to look worthy infront of another), or feeling like you're missing out on life.
Jnani vs. Karma-Yogi Equanimity:
- Jnani: Mental equanimity is derived from knowing “I” have no connection to anything that happens.
- Karma-Yogi: His equanimity comes from mental discipline, and letting go of the immature notion that things need to always happen my way. (IE: Ishvara-prasada-buddhi). Karma-Yogi gets permission slip for peace and contentment from his actions being guided by the right intention, dharma, and delivering value to someone's life. Whether another is able to appreciate it or not, is none of my business! My joy is in giving, because in doing so, I also grow in confidence and competence.
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Recorded 17 Jan, 2026