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Various Pathways for Cultivation of Equanimity: An Exploratory Study

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Abstract

Equanimity has been a highly valued spiritual goal in Buddhism, in the scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita and in Yoga traditions. Equanimity is a state of even-mindedness towards all experiences, regardless of their affective valence. The cultivation of equanimity may transform our perceptual-cognitive–emotional systems to widen our perspective on experience, increase distress tolerance and reduce habitual reactivity. The psychological literature has mainly focussed on mindfulness as the cultivation method of equanimity. However, there are various other indigenous pathways and methods for the cultivation of equanimity which this study aims to explore in detail. Thirty experts from various contemplative traditions such as yoga, meditation, Buddhism, and Indian Psychology were interviewed. Analysis of the interviews suggests various methods for the cultivation of equanimity such as practices facilitating awareness and openness towards experience, generative practices, various pathways of yoga and indirect pathways such as socio-emotional ethical learning, art and others. These techniques are elaborated separately for children and adults. Implications for practice: The implications of the cultivation of equanimity are discussed in context of holistic well-being, leadership practices and for the development of therapeutic models and techniques.

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Data Availability

The transcripts of the interviews and recordings are available with the first author of the paper.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the insightful inputsand contributions from all the learned and highly engaged experts, which made the paper possible.

Funding

This research was funded by a research grant from the Research & Consultancy Cell (RCC), of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India under Grant No RCC/Dir./2018/56/17.

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  1. Dept of Psychology, Faculty of Education & Psychology, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Lokmanya Tilak Road, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India

    Parisha Jijina & Urmi Nanda Biswas

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  1. Parisha Jijina
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  2. Urmi Nanda Biswas
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The first author has mostly taken the responsibility in conceptualizing, writing and revising the paper, whereas second author as the Ph.D. guide of the first author has contributed in conceptualizing, designing and shaping up the paper with her feedback and guidance.

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Correspondence to Urmi Nanda Biswas.

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Jijina, P., Biswas, U.N. Various Pathways for Cultivation of Equanimity: An Exploratory Study. Psychol Stud 67, 28–42 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-021-00634-7

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