The Distinction Between the Enlightenment Factor of Relinquishment and Equanimity (upekṣā)

The enlightenment factor of equanimity (upekṣā-sambojjhaṅga) is the last of the seven factors of enlightenment: the mindfulness enlightenment factor, the discrimination-of-dharmas enlightenment factor, the effort enlightenment factor, the joy enlightenment factor, the tranquility enlightenment factor, the meditative concentration enlightenment factor, and the equanimity enlightenment factor. Equanimity means discarding all burdens and encumbrances of body and mind—whether wholesome or unwholesome, painful or pleasant—letting go of any feeling or experience whatsoever, so that the mind is pure and without contrivance.

Equanimity in conduct, also called non-harming (ahiṃsā), means letting go of unwholesome and evil actions and formations. For example, one originally intended to take revenge on someone, but now no longer wishes to do so, having abandoned the act of revenge; one was originally jealous of others and wished to harm them, but now is no longer jealous and no longer wishes to harm anyone. Having abandoned evil conduct, the mind is pure, or abides in the wholesome. The feelings and experiences involved cannot necessarily be relinquished; the mind may still have joy and bliss, tranquility, or other feelings. This differs from the enlightenment factor of equanimity.