Tatramajjhattatā

Tatramajjhattatā (Pali) is translated as "equanimity", "neutrality of mind", etc. It is a mental factor that has as a mental attitude of balance, detachment, and impartiality, according to the Pali tradition.

Tatramajjhattatā is identified as:

• One of the twenty-five beautiful mental factors within the Pali Abhidharma tradition
• A synonym of, or related to, upekkha

Upekkha can be understood as a synonym of tatramajjhattatā, or a mode of tatramajjhattatā that is directed to limitless beings.

Definitions

Bhikkhu Bodhi states:

The Pali term for this cetisaka literally means "there in the middleness." It is a synonym for equanimity (upekkha), not as neutral feeling, but as a mental attitude of balance, detachment, and impartiality. It has the characteristic of conveying consciousness and the mental factors evenly. Its function is to prevent deficiency and excess, or to prevent partiality. It is manifested as neutrality. It should be seen as the state of looking on with equanimity in the citta and cetasikas, like a charioteer who looks on with equanimity at the thoroughbreds progressing evenly along the roadway.

Neutrality of mind becomes the sublime quality of equanimity towards living beings. As such it treats beings free from discrimination, without preferences and prejudices, looking upon all as equal. This equanimity should not be confused with its “near enemy,” the worldly-minded indifference due to ignorance.

The Visuddhimagga (XIV, 153) states:

It has the characteristic of conveying citta and cetasikas evenly. Its function is to prevent deficiency and excess, or its function is to inhibit partiality. It is manifested as neutrality. It should be regarded as like a conductor (driver) who looks on with equanimity on thoroughbreds progressing evenly.

Nina van Gorkom states:

When there is equanimity there is neither elation nor depression. The object which is experienced is viewed with impartiality and neutrality, just as a charioteer treats with impartiality his well-trained horses. Equanimity effects the balance of the citta and the other cetasikas it arises together with. There is no balance of mind when akusala citta arises, when we are cross, greedy, avaricious or ignorant. Whereas when we are generous, observe morality (sīla), develop calm or develop right understanding of nāma and rūpa, there is balance of mind.

N.K.G. Mendis states:

Equanimity (tatramajjhattaa, upekkhaa) is balance of mind, a quality of neutrality free from attachment and repulsion.

Within the four divine abodes (upekkha)

Upekkha is identified as one of the four divine abodes (brahmavihara). In this context, Bhikkhu Bodhi states: "equanimity [upekkha] is a mode of the cetasika tatramajjhattatā, neutrality of mind."

In this context, equanimity (upekkha) is developed towards all living beings, and thus has a potentially limitless range.

Sources

• Bhikkhu Bodhi, ed. (2000), A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, Pariyatti Publishing 
• Cetasikas by Nina van Gorkom

• The Abhidhamma in Practice, by N.K.G. Mendis