Developing Equanimity (Upekkha-sambojjhanga)

Lord Buddha stated:

Monks, there are practices that give rise to Equanimity (Upekkhā-sambojjhaïga). One must practice and contemplate these virtues. Repeatedly contemplating them carefully is the food which gives rise to Equanimity that has not yet arisen or causes Equanimity which has already arisen to develop to completion (Samyutta-nikāya, 19/371/98).

The commentary explains the practices for giving rise to Equanimity (Upekkhā-sambojjhanga) and for developing it to perfection, as well as for eliminating Hindrances which dim the Wisdom Eye (Chakkhu) (Samyutta-nikāya Atthakatha, 2333-234). There are five such practices, as follows:

1. Equality towards beings means treating all beings evenly, with neutrality, contemplating that all beings have their own karma. They were born with their karma and will die with their karma. Alternatively, one may also contemplate that there is no being – no entity to become involved with. By practicing equality toward beings in these two ways, the Equanimity Factor of Enlightenment will arise.
2. Indifference toward conditioned phenomena (Sankhāra): The Meditator develops indifference towards both internal [e.g., eyeball] and external [e.g., bowl and robe] conditioned objects by contemplating that (1) all conditioned phenomena are temporary, and (2) there is no owner – no self. For example, regarding the robe, one might contemplate further that: This robe is faded. It is worn out. It could become part of a mat. It should be thrown away. If it had an owner, it would not be discarded like this. Or, alternatively, one might contemplate that the robe is just temporary. It only lasts for a short time. Similarly, the bowl will change owners and wear out some day. Practicing indifference toward conditioned objects in this way, the Equanimity Factor of Enlightenment will arise.
3. Avoiding those who are attached to beings and conditioned objects (Saïkhāra): Shun those who attach to sons and daughters or monks who attach to their companions, such as students or fellow monks. Avoid those over eager to help others with cutting hair, sewing, laundering, etc. Watch out for those who always worry when someone is out of sight momentarily and go searching for them. Also evade those with likes and dislikes for specific persons. For example, saying “You must send me this novice.” Or, alternatively: “If you send that novice, there will be a trouble.” Such are those who attach to beings. Also avoid a monk who attaches too strongly to his robe, bowl, or walking stick with the thought that “They are mine,” never letting anyone borrow or even touch them. Such a monk is overly attached to conditioned things. By avoiding such people, The Equanimity Enlightenment Factor will arise.
4. Associating with Meditators who keep distant from beings and conditioned things: One should socialize only with those who maintain indifference toward both beings and conditioned things. Through such avoidance, The Equanimity Enlightenment Factor (Upekkhā-sambojjhaïga) will arise.
5. Constantly Directing the mind toward Equanimity (Upekkhā): The Meditator should continually guide the mind straight towards arousal of the Equanimity Factor of Enlightenment (Upekkhā-sambojjhaïga) at all times, in all postures, including both standing and sitting. If one practices in this way, the Equanimity Factor of Enlightenment will arise.

The Equanimity Factor of Enlightenment Upekkhā-sam-bojjhanga arises due to these five causes and is fully developed to perfection when one attains Arahant Mentality.