Brahmavih

Brahmavihāra, often transliterated brahmavihāra or brahmaviharā, means "divine abodes" or "abodes of the Brahmas" and refers to a group of four mental states cultivated in Buddhist practice. The term combines brahma, meaning divine or exalted, with vihāra, meaning abode or dwelling. In Buddhist contexts, these states are considered unbounded and beneficial for both personal development and social harmony.

The four qualities are metta (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), mudita (empathetic or sympathetic joy), and upekkhā (equanimity). Metta is an unconditional goodwill toward all beings. Karuṇā is a compassionate response to the suffering of others. Mudita is joyful appreciation of others’ happiness. Upekkhā is balanced, even-minded awareness that transcends personal bias and fluctuating fortunes. Collectively, they are described as immeasurables or boundless states, extended without limit to all beings.

Practice typically involves systematic cultivation through meditation and daily conduct. Metta meditation begins with generating kind thoughts toward oneself and then progressively toward others, including friends, strangers, and even those with whom one has difficulty. The other brahmavihāras are developed similarly, often in concert, with the aim of transforming habitual reactivity into compassionate, joyful, and balanced engagement. In Buddhist traditions, the brahmavihāras serve as ethical foundations and practical tools for reducing hostility, attachment, and ill-will while fostering spacious and harmonious mental states.