The Four Immeasurables
July 11, 2008 by ScottyDoo
The Four Immeasurables are thoughts or meditations which are based on our present worldly existence. They are called “immeasurable” because they extend to all beings, who are immeasurable, and because we create immeasurable positive energy and purify immeasurable negative energy through developing them.
They are also called “the four sublime states” because developing them in our minds makes us like the sublime buddhas, bodhisattvas and arhats who are beyond attachment and aversion.
The four immeasurable thoughts are expressed in the following prayer:
May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes.
May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes.
May all sentient beings not be separated from sorrowless bliss.
May all sentient beings abide in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger.
By reciting this prayer slowly and sincerely one or more times, and reflecting on its meaning, we can develop a heart of kindness towards all beings.
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