The near enemy
of the Middle Path
of loving-kindness
is sentimentality
and the far enemy
is anger.
The near enemy
of the Middle Path
of compassion
is passionate grief
and the far enemy
is cruelty.
The older you get,
the more might you notice
the following phenomenon.
When meeting old friends,
and even old relatives,
there will be ‘catching up’.
When one is updating,
the other might be comparing
oneself with that person.
If that person seems
to be doing better,
spitefulness might arise.
Such is the case
for those unable to transform
greedy jealousy to rejoice.
If that person seems
to be doing worse,
gleefulness might arise.
Such is the case
for those unable to transform
hateful schadenfreude to empathy.
May we never be spiteful and gleeful.
May we always be rejoiceful and empathetic.
May we be examples showing how we should all be.
The near enemy
of the Middle Path
of rejoice
is exhilaration
and the far enemy
is jealousy.
The near enemy
of the Middle Path
of equanimity
is indifference
and the far enemy
is restlessness.
Related Article:
Combining Meditations on the Four Immeasurables
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2010/08/combining-meditations-on-the-four-immeasurables
