The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2537 

 

is the first and foremost of all fundamental practices which lead to becoming a 
Buddha. For the Bodhisatta, who delights in providing welfare and happiness of 
all beings without discrimination, loving-kindness; and the desire to remove 
their suffering and misfortune, compassion, becomes firmly rooted and 
powerful.” Thus loving-kindness which forms the foundation of compassion 
should be developed towards all beings. 

10. Reflecting on the Perfection of Equanimity 

“In the absence of equanimity, abuses and wrongs done by others may cause 
disturbances in my mind. With a disturbed mind, there is no possibility even of 
doing good deeds such as generosity, morality, etc., which are the requisites for 
becoming a Buddha.” 

“When loving-kindness is cultivated towards beings as mere affection, 
unaccompanied by equanimity, purification of the requisites of the perfections is 
not possible.” 

“Having no equanimity, one cannot channel the requisites of meritorious deeds 
and their results towards the promotion of the welfare of all beings.” 

“A Bodhisatta makes no discrimination of gifts and of their recipients. It is 
impossible to do so without equanimity.” 

“When not endowed with equanimity, one cannot attend to purification of 
morality without taking consideration of the dangers that may befall one’s life 
and life-accessories (

jīvita-parikkhāra

).” 

“Only one who has overcome, by virtue of equanimity, the dislike of good deeds 
and delight in sensual pleasures can acquire the power of renunciation.” 

“All functions of the requisites for the perfections can be accomplished only by 
examining them rightly with intelligent equanimity (

ñāṇupekkhā

).” 

“In the absence of equanimity, excess of energy makes engagement in 
meditation impossible.” 

“Only with equanimity it is possible for one to concentrate on forbearance.” 

“Only because of equanimity can beings possess truthfulness.” 

“By remaining indifferent to the vicissitudes of life one’s resolution to fulfil the 
perfections becomes firm and unshakeable.”