Interpersonal Aspects of Mindfulness and Concentrative Meditations

The chapter discusses the interpersonal aspects of mindfulness and concentrative meditations in terms of the four Brahmavihara/bhavana, also known as four immeasureables. These are maitri/mettā (loving-kindness), muditā (empathetic, appreciative joy), karuṇā (compassion), and upeksha/upekkhā or samata (equanimity). This practice is considered pre-Buddhist (Hindu) and extra-Buddhist (Jain) in its origin, with references present in Vedas, Upanishads, Tantras, Bhagawad Gita, Yoga Vashistha, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras and further elaborated in Buddhism. This chapter will cover both conceptual and application dimension of the Brahmaviharas.