Phithiyanuwat, C., & Bunchua, K., & Amalitwarin, S. (2020). Upekkha and the Development of Quality of Life. In Proceeding of the 11th International Academic Conference, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University 2020 (pp. 120-125). Bangkok: Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.

Abstract
Upekkha is the one of the 4 virtues in Brahmavihara Domain for holding equanimity under the control of the intellect called Yanapekkha, however some persons misunderstood this virtue to be impractical and inert that leads its rejection. The researcher thus would like to find the answer to the question whether Upekkha support the development of quality of life. This research had objectives to analyze, appreciate and apply the Upekkha with the moderate postmodern philosophy as the means for the development of quality of life. This research employed methods of philosophical research, namely dialectical and discursive, discussing with the opposing groups consisting of those who followed the modern philosophy. The findings of this research indicated that the opposing groups held the view that Upekkha is not the virtue for the development of the quality of life at present according to the pragmatist ideal because of the decision for inaction in any issue, inert to all subject and object. The researcher had a contrasting view and proposed that Upekkha is the virtue guided by the intellectual instinct that provides power up to the development of the quality of life. These findings can serve as a rationale for and guidelines to the development of quality of life for the practitioner according to the Brahmavihara and Magga for the authentic happiness in this world and the next world.

Keywords: Upekkha, Brahmavihara, Postmodern Philosophy

Introduction
Upekkha is the Buddhist concept of equanimity. It is a pure mental state cultivated on the Buddhist path to nirvana. Upekkha was identified as an important aspect of spiritual development which is purifying mental states capable of counteracting the defilements of lust, aversion and ignorance. It is the ultimate characteristic to develop. As a spiritual virtue, Upekkha means stability in the face of the fluctuations of worldly fortune. It is evenness of mind, unshakeable freedom of mind. As a Buddha’s word, “When a practitioner has discerned formations by attributing the three characteristics
[non-self, impermanence, and suffering] to them and seeing them as empty in this way, he abandons both terror and delight, and becomes indifferent to them and neutral. The practitioner neither takes them as “I” nor as “mine” and is like a person who has divorced a spouse [and in so doing become unaffected by the doings of the ex-spouse).”

—Visuddhimagga 21.61

Upekkha is characterized as promoting neutrality toward all beings. Its function is to see equantimity in beings. It is manifested as the quieting of resentment and approval. Its proximate cause is seeing ownership of karma thus: “Beings are owners of their deeds. Whose [if not their] is the choice by which they will become happy, or will get free from suffering, or will not fall away from the success they have reached?” It succeeds when it makes resentment and approval subside, and it fails when it produces the equanimity of unknowing.”

—Visuddhimagga 9.96

In addition, Upekkha is indicated as a characteristic of wisdom that occurs in the meditation, considering the state of consciousness, mental factors and corporeality nor The Five Aggregates nor the Essence of Dependent Origination (Causality of Being) that show the truth, while the soul is calm at the the 4th to 8th meditation level. Whereas, some understand the word Upekkha in a very wrong meaning by translating as the ignorance or unconcern for others or override and negate the preceding three of Brahmavihara (loving-kindness, compassion, altruistic joy and equanimity) which lead to misunderstanding the dharma and wrong practice to life. So many people refuse to accept the benefit of Upekkha. The problems related to the principles of Upekkha are as follows:

1.The misunderstanding of Upekkha that results in an incorrect practice.
2.The layman neglects to practice Upekkha and left it as a monk duty.

With the importance of Upekkha and the problem beneath the researcher had the idea to apply the moderate postmodern philosophy in term of hermeneutics for clear and distinct understanding of the Upekkha and proposed the rationale to practice for the goal of postmodernism (the development of the quality of life) and the goal of Buddhism (Nirvana)

Objective
To analysis, appreciate and apply Upekkha according to moderate postmodern philosophy to rectify the understading of Upekkha.

Scope of research

1.To set up a framework for the research using the hermeneutics with philosophical paradigm.
2.Research duration
Duration of 12 months from January 2019-December 2019

Research Methodology

1. Research method
   This research is a qualitative research (documentary research) to study the
   philosophical paradigm on Upekkha.
2. Research process
   To use the dialectical method and discursive procedure. Dialectical method is to ask question that may be answered pluralistically. Discursive procedure is to exchange ideas by demonstrating the reasons that support each answer to find the best answer from compromising all parties as possible with reasons.

Literature Review

1.The philosophy of paradigm is the fundamental belief in every human mind. It varies by gender, age, environment, education and decision. The paradigm is not the decision abilities, but it is the abilities and persuades the will to decide. Philosophical paradigm could be categorized into 5 levels as follows (Bunchua, 2561, pp. 15-22):

1) The primitive paradigm believes that everything comes from the supernatural.
2) The ancient paradigm believes that the world has the law of nature and the
Man will be happy in the world if He follows the laws.
3) The medieval paradigm believes that we are doing as the mean 5 to the next world. To get heaven or the highest goal of each religious we must observe temperance and do good, purify sin and avoid evil.
4) The modern paradigm believes that the scientific knowledge network is all
around us and we could overcome any problem and make paradise of this world.
5) The postmodern paradigm asks to detachment the knowledge network,
principle and rule. Critical thinking is the tool to comprehension and processes by analysis appreciation and application for the quality of life according to reality.

2.Ubekkha means taking a look over, observation (Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara Somdet Phra Sangharaj, 1 9 9 8 ). But generally “upekkha”, will mean an equanimity, which means keeping the mind in knowing the mental conditions or the ability to see without being caught by what we see. it can only be aware of a charitable and evil emotion by the full power of the wisdom that gives rise to a great sense of peace. Upekkha practice makes the person neutral, pure and not feeling suffering or pleasure while in the mood of the
emotions.

Research Question
Does Upekkha support the development of life quality.

Research Finding
Researcher had dialectics with the question whether “Upekkha” could lead to the development of the quality of life according to postmodern philosophy”, while the opponent’s reasoning was that “Upekkha is not a moral aim to the develop of quality of life especially the pragmatic group who supports active action to develop the quality of life while Ubekkha is an emphasis on the non-reactivity. Principle of upekkha is making the human keen not to be diligent, not to let trial and error in anything. So upekkha is not related to the quality of life according to reality.

But the researcher had criticized the opinions of the opponents held the modern paradigm, and noted that upekkha is not in the context of action or non-action but in the context of abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility, and without ill-will. It is the power from a sense of peace. Usually dominant in the act to balance, remaining centered in the middle of whatever is happening. By wisdom, upekkha practice is the means of “seeing with patience” and “seeing with understanding” from some inner strength or stability, not supporting people to inert or non-reactivity.

The researcher proposed a new answer that Upekkha could use hermeneutics according to moderate postmodern philosophy to be the strong presence of inner calm, well-being, confidence, vitality, or integrity which can keep upright to develop a good quality of life according to reality. To prepare the ground for equanimity to arise, one should try to cultivate an attitude of nonattachment. Regarding all beings as the heirs of their own karma. They created this karma under their own volition, and no one can prevent their experiencing the consequences. Equanimity is not insensitivity, indifference, or apathy. It is simply nonpreferential. Under its influence, one does not push aside the things one dislikes or grasp at the things one prefers. The mind rests in an attitude of balance and acceptance of things as they are. Upekkha is the cause for the cleansing and purification of one who has deep
tendencies toward lust or desire. So Upekkha is the factor for enlightenment and means to Nippana, the highest happiness and the best quality state of being according to Buddhism.

Results and Discussion

1.The interpretation of Upekkha with moderate postmodern philosophy was corresponds to the Buddhist philosophy and is the ground for wisdom and freedom to cultivate the qualities of mind. Wisdom can also be an important factor in learning to have an accepting awareness, to be present without the mind or heart contradicting or resisting of the After life.

2.Upekkha is the pinnacle of the four Brahmavihara. It does not override and negate the loving-kindness, compassion, altruistic joy, but perfects and consummates of life.

3.Clear and distinct meaning of Upekkha causes no doubt for the Dharma practitioner to see with understanding the nature as it is. According to the Buddha, the way to bring around Upekkha is wise attention: to be continually mindful from moment to moment. Upekkha gives insight-ability to see that things change so quickly that no one can hold on to anything, and detachment is arising as the key for the mind state. Eventually, Upekkha becomes a qualify factor of enlightenment.

Suggestions

1.Suggestions for application to the society
The research can introduce Upekkha into the reasons and guidelines for improving the quality of life of the people. They can be created in a character education course to improve the quality of the body, emotions, intellect, and mind by continuing mindfulness or meditation and then Upekkha can be the foundation for caring, presence, flexibility and diligence.

2.Suggestions for future research
This research has answered the research question whether Upekkha could lead the development of the quality of life according to postmodern philosophy. It displays the reasons for all parties. The researcher suggests the further research topics: 1) Upekkha and the authentic happiness according to reality 2)Hermeneutics on Brahmavihara with moderate postmodern philosophy.

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