Near and far enemies
Near and far enemies
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Each of the Four Immeasurables has Near and Far Enemies. The Near Enemy is a deceptive substitute which we can settle for or confuse with the real thing. This can separate us from the true feeling, rather than connecting us to it, so we need mindfulness to avoid it. Each Immeasurable also has a direct opposite, its Far Enemy. Developing the Four Immeasurables helps us to challenge these in ourselves.
Each of the Four Immeasurables has Near and Far Enemies. The Near Enemy is a deceptive substitute which we can settle for or confuse with the real thing. This can separate us from the true feeling, rather than connecting us to it, so we need mindfulness to avoid it. Each Immeasurable also has a direct opposite, its Far Enemy. Developing the Four Immeasurables helps us to challenge these in ourselves.
Loving Kindness: the intention of good will; the wish for the welfare and happiness of all being
The Near Enemy of Loving Kindness is Attachment, greed, conditional love.
The Far Enemy is Hatred, ill will, anger
Compassion: The wish to alleviate suffering
The Near Enemy of Compassion is Pity, grief
The Far Enemy is Cruelty
Empathetic Joy: Rejoicing in the success of others; appreciation, joy at others’ good fortune
The Near Enemy of Empathetic Joy is Joy tinged with insincerity or personal identification; forms of joy that are excessive; hedonism
The Far Enemy is Envy, jealousy, aversion
Equanimity: Seeing equality in beings, balanced, non-reactive, non-partial awareness; quieting of resentment
The Near Enemy of Equanimity is Indifference, foolish unknowing
The Far Enemy is Greed, taking of sides, prejudice, resentment
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