Five ways to remove arisen resentment (AN 5.161) ( lemmy.world )

Bhikkhus, there are these five ways of overcoming resentment by means of which resentment that has arisen in a bhikkhu is completely overcome. What five?

1. Loving-kindness: Bhikkhus, in whoever resentment might arise, loving-kindness should be cultivated towards that person. Thus, the resentment towards that person should be overcome.

2. Compassion: Bhikkhus, in whoever resentment might arise, compassion should be cultivated towards that person. Thus, the resentment towards that person should be overcome.

3. Equanimity: Bhikkhus, in whoever resentment might arise, equanimity should be cultivated towards that person. Thus, the resentment towards that person should be overcome.

4. Non-attention: Bhikkhus, in whoever resentment might arise, disregarding and non-attention* should be applied towards that person. Thus, the resentment towards that person should be overcome.

5. Reflection on Kamma: Bhikkhus, in whoever resentment might arise, reflection on kamma should be determined towards that person: 'He is the owner of his actions, heir to his actions, born of his actions, related to his actions, supported by his actions. Whatever actions he does, whether good or bad, he will be the heir of those.' Thus, the resentment towards that person should be overcome.

Bhikkhus, these are the five ways of overcoming resentment by means of which resentment that has arisen in a bhikkhu is completely overcome.

*non-attention can be applied by associating arisings of specific resentment with a reminder to bring up mindfulness of body, feelings, mind and mental qualities.

Related Teachings:

Developing the mind by classifying thoughts into two categories | Right Intention (MN 19) - This is the most detailed teaching on cultivating right intention. The Buddha describes how he cultivated his mind with a careful categorization of thoughts to cultivate and thoughts to eliminate, understanding their relationship and how it inclines the mind's underlying tendencies. He also shares on the wisdom of not exhausting the body or tiring the mind with excessive thoughts, and finally shares on the cultivation of the jhānas, the realization of the three true knowledges leading to liberation.

The Four Divine Abodes | Brahma vihāras (from MN 99) - In this teaching, the Buddha is sharing the practice to be reborn in the company of the Brahmā based on a student's request. The four practices of loving-kindness, compassion, rejoicing (altruistic joy), and equanimity are also referred to as the four immeasurables.

The Mind of Loving-Kindness (MN 21) - A discourse full of vibrant and memorable similes, on the importance of patience and love even when faced with abuse and criticism. The Buddha finishes with the simile of the saw, one of the most memorable similes found in the discourses.