________________
III. Sanayik or Equanimity:
A) Meaning: Equanimity is the quality of remaining calm and undisturbed. It implies evenness of mind and temper. It is serenity and composure. It is essential for our practice of nonviolence. Acharya Jatasingh Nandi has described equanimity by
the following verse:
Equanimity towards all beings;
Self-control and pure aspirations;
Abandonment of every thought
Which is tainted by desire and aversion;
That, truly, is considered Samayik.
Equanimity is practiced by monks and nuns. It is also practiced by laymen so that they can learn to gradually detach their consciousness from all external objects.
Practice of equanimity consists of three phases. In the first phase, the person adopts the vow of equanimity by reciting Irya Vahiyae & Karemi Bhante Sutra. Evidently, the first phase of the Samayik is like a prologue. The second phase of Samayik consists of study of scriptures, thinking of the basic principles of religion in silence. The last phase of Samayik is like an epilogue.
5
