Equanimity

Shall we strive for everlasting bliss
And perfect peace for ourselves, alone?
Until all sentient beings achieve this,
Our responsibility has not been satisfied.
But why should we be responsible?
Because our success depends upon
The help of all other sentient beings,
Which is our solemn duty to repay.

We cannot look with favor upon some,
While drawing away from still others,
Or be indifferent to all of the rest.
Striving for our own self-happiness
While avoiding all that is unpleasant
Is a selfish expression of the ego.
Helping your friends while hating our enemies
Is a hindrance and a bad habit, at best.

We must show equanimity to all beings
As they are all deserving of our help,
In seeking happiness and peace.
Even the friends that we have in this life
Were strangers before ever we met,
Neither helping or hindering our search.
Friendship may not last forever
And friends may become enemies, one day.

Equanimity means treating everyone the same,
With no one being better or worse.
All sentient beings seek happiness,
And enlightenment should be sought by all.
Equanimity means all being equal, in our eyes,
Whether friend, enemy, or stranger.
All need our help and our love,
So equanimity means everyone helping everyone.

~ Llamo Samadhana ~