Fourteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Contemplative approaches to Interpersonal relationships are common across multiple religious or Dharmic traditions originating in India. The most popular being the idea of the four bhavana, Brahmavihara or four immeasureables, i.e., lovingkindness, appreciative joy, compassion and equanimity. Although popularised from the Buddhist tradition, this practice is considered pre-Buddhist (Hindu) and extra-Buddhist (Jain) in its origin, with Buddhist giving it its own meaning and context. The references have been present in ancient texts like Vedas-Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Tantras, Yoga Vashistha, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras. This paper elaborates on its conceptual and application dimensions along with discussion of its implications for mental health.