觀音玄義 1.41

1.41

Question: Why is there no discussion of sympathetic joy and equanimity here? Answer: Although the names of the four immeasurable minds are four, they are only three meanings. The Great Sūtra says 'upekṣā'; pekṣā is called 'equanimity' (renunciation). Equanimity means relinquishing both: that is, neither benevolence nor compassion, the meaning of non-duality; being two while non-dual is precisely benevolence and compassion. Sympathetic joy arises from joy: at first, wishing to bestow joy, sentient beings' suffering is heavy so they cannot attain joy, and thus there is nothing to rejoice in; if their suffering has been uprooted, they can immediately attain joy, which fulfills the original intent, so sympathetic joy is added after joy. There is no such thing after suffering, so sympathetic joy is not opened there. Just as King Aśoka was to die in seven days: though he had the pleasures of the five desires, grief and suffering pierced his heart; again, just as a slight pain in a single body can rob the joy of the entire body, so we know that when suffering is heavy, joy cannot be attained.