On-Land Retreat

Cultivating Equanimity: The Happiness of a Heart in Balance and Peace 

Nikki Mirghafori
Equanimity is a crown jewel of Buddhist practice. It is the unshakable balance of mind-heart born of the perfection of wisdom and love. Equanimity is neither aloof nor cool, as it has been commonly (and mistakenly) imagined, but rather it works to imbue the heart with tremendous stability and caring presence. Equanimity is the fourth and final brahmavihāra (heavenly dwelling), imbuing lovingkindness, compassion, and vicarious joy with grounding balance. As the seventh factor of awakening, the development of equanimity is necessary for advancing in the path. It guards the mind-heart in the midst of the eight worldly winds of gain/loss, fame/disrepute, pleasure/pain, and praise/blame, which each afflict our human lives at one time or another. Equanimity is such a rich and deep teaching that the Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification) teaches ten different types of equanimity. Cultivating equanimity is paramount for a heart-mind that remains in balance, peace, and happiness at every stage of our practice.

Teaching Team

Nikki Mirghafori, PhD

Nikki Mirghafori, PhD

Teacher

Nikki Mirghafori, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist. She was empowered by the living Burmese meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, with whom she practiced the jhanas and detailed analytical vipassana. She serves as a Stewarding Teacher and on the Board of Directors at Spirit Rock.

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