The Emotional Theory And Empirical Study Of Buddhism Equanimity

Although emotional research has always been a hot topic in psychology,the intermediate state of emotion is not valued in psychology,but equanimity is of great significance in Buddhist psychology.Through literature review,there is no unified definition of equanimity.Some scholars realize its importance and regard it as an ideal state of happiness.In view of this,this study attempts to conduct a preliminary discussion on the subject.There are three parts of the study,firstly,to sort out the relevant literature in psychology and Buddhism,clarify the concept of acceptance,explore the feasible methods of cultivation it,and prepare for the next empirical research.Secondly,the mixed experiment design of 2(Mindfulness group,Buddhist group)× 2(pre-test,post-test)was used to verify the training effect through scale and behavior experiment,and to explore the difference between the two kinds of training.Thirdly,interview study was conducted to supplement the empirical study and explore the impact of training on acceptance and its different mechanisms between the two groups.The results are as follows:1)Based on Buddhist classics,this study defines equanimity from a psychological perspective as a state of even-minded and calm mood for all experiences(pleasant,unpleasant or neutral),it need through systematic training and deep sensitive observation of the temporality of material and spiritual activities,characterized by high validity and low arousal.2)After training,the mindfulness level of both groups increased significantly.3)After training,the scores of inner peace state in both groups increased significantly.4)The results of theAffective Picture Assessment Task are as follows:?In the evaluation of positive picture,there was no significant difference in mindfulness group before and after training;the Buddhist group significantly decreased in both valence and arousal before and after training.?In the evaluation of neutral pictures,there was no significant difference between the two groups before and after training.?In the evaluation of negative picture,the mindfulness group increased significantly after training,while the Buddhism group decreased significantly after training.?Compared with the mindfulness group,the Buddhist group only had a significant decrease in the arousal of positive pictures.The above shows that mindfulness group reduces the emotional response to negative pictures.Buddhism group not only reduces the physical and mental arousal response to negative pictures,but also reduces the positive evaluation tendency to positive pictures.5)The results of the Emotional Experience Sampling are as follows:?There was no significant difference in the valence and arousal of mindfulness group before,during and after training.?There was no significant difference in arousal before and after training in the Buddhist group,;but in terms of valence,compared with the four days before training,there was a significant improvement in the four days after training.?There was no significant difference in arousal between the two groups in three time periods;However,in terms of valence,there was a significant difference between the two groups on the 8th day of training and the 4th day after training.Compared with the mindfulness group,the subjects in the Buddhist group had higher and more sustained in valence.6)From the interviews,both groups reported that their emotions tended to be peaceful after training,but their ideas were different.The mindfulness group is based on the acceptance of emotions;Buddhist group is based on the recognition that material and spiritual(including emotions)are temporality,no longer trap themselves in the emotions,thus maintaining a equanimity for the experience(pleasant or unpleasant).