Brahmavihāra

Divine abodes, dwellings of Brahmā. The brahmavihārā (Pāli) are four qualities of the heart that the practitioner cultivates as permanent dwelling:

1. Mettā — Loving-kindness: goodwill toward all beings without exception
2. Karuṇā — Compassion: responding to others’ suffering with the desire to alleviate it
3. Muditā — Empathetic joy: rejoicing in others’ happiness without envy
4. Upekkhā — Equanimity: balance before the pleasant and the painful

They are called “divine abodes” because they are the habitual residence of celestial beings (brahmā). But they are not exclusive to gods: any human being can cultivate them through practice.

The meditation on the brahmavihārā follows a logical order: mettā breaks aversion, karuṇā responds to pain, muditā celebrates joy, upekkhā balances everything. Together they form a complete heart: nothing is excluded, nothing is grasped.

In Patañjali’s yoga, YS 1.33 presents a direct parallel: maitrī (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (joy), upekṣā (equanimity) — four attitudes that stabilize the mind.