Adveṣa

Adveṣa is a Sanskrit term that is often translated as "non-aversion" or "absence of hatred". It is one of the key virtues in various spiritual and philosophical traditions of India, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Adveṣa is considered an important aspect of ethical conduct and mental discipline, contributing to the cultivation of a peaceful and compassionate mind.

Etymology and Definition

The term Adveṣa is derived from the Sanskrit root dveṣ, which means "to hate" or "to be hostile". The prefix a- negates the root, thus giving the term its meaning of "non-hatred" or "absence of aversion". In the context of spiritual and philosophical traditions, Adveṣa refers to the absence of ill-will, animosity, or hostility towards others, and the cultivation of an attitude of acceptance, tolerance, and goodwill.

Role in Indian Philosophies

In Buddhism, Adveṣa is one of the three mental states to be cultivated in the path to enlightenment, along with maitrī (loving-kindness) and karuṇā (compassion). It is seen as an antidote to dveṣa (hatred or aversion), one of the three poisons that bind beings to the cycle of saṃsāra (birth and death).

In Hinduism, Adveṣa is considered one of the essential virtues to be cultivated in the pursuit of dharma (righteousness). It is often mentioned in conjunction with ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and asteya (non-stealing) as part of the ethical conduct prescribed in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other texts.

In Jainism, Adveṣa is seen as a key aspect of anekāntavāda, the principle of many-sidedness or non-absolutism. It encourages tolerance and acceptance of different perspectives, promoting harmony and non-violence in thought, speech, and action.

Practices and Benefits

Practices to cultivate Adveṣa include meditation, mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of positive mental states such as compassion, loving-kindness, and equanimity. These practices are believed to reduce negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and resentment, and promote mental peace, happiness, and well-being.