Four Immeasurables

Four Immeasurables (Pali: Cattari Brahmavihara) are four infinite mental states: loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).

Overview

These four qualities are cultivated through meditation practice and are considered the highest form of mental purification. They are said to lead to rebirth in the Brahma realms.

Philosophical Context

In Buddhist philosophy, the four immeasurables counter the negative states of hatred, cruelty, envy, and attachment. They are cultivated through specific meditation practices.

Interpretations

Each immeasurable is directed toward all beings without exception. They are called “immeasurable” because they extend to all beings in all directions without limit.

Verification Notes

• Four infinite mental states
• Metta, karuna, mudita, upekkha
• Lead to rebirth in Brahma realms