Each of the Four Immeasurables has Near and Far Enemies, shown in the table below.
The Near Enemy is a deceptive substitute which we can settle for or confuse with the real thing. This can separate us from the true feeling, rather than connecting us to it, so we need mindfulness to avoid it. Each Immeasurable also has a direct opposite, its Far Enemy. Developing the Four Immeasurables helps us to challenge these in ourselves.
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THE NEAR AND FAR ENEMIES |
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Near Enemy |
Far Enemy |
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LOVING KINDNESS |
Attachment, greed |
Hatred, ill will |
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COMPASSION |
Pity, grief |
Cruelty |
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EMPATHETIC JOY |
Joy tinged with insincerity or personal identification; forms of joy that are excessive such as elation, exuberance; Schadenfreude |
Envy, jealousy, Aversion |
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EQUANIMITY |
Indifference, foolish unknowing |
Greed, taking of sides, partiality, resentment, reactivity |