Equanimity, meanwhile, helps ensure that one is not acting impulsively,
out of anger, greed, or ignorance, but is able to judge a situation
as objectively as possible in order to correctly assess what kind of
response will reduce suffering. Moreover, equanimity helps to ensure
that one acts without discrimination or bias toward a group based on
unwholesome attitudes or attachments (Dharmasiri 1989, 49). Compassion
is a virtue that compels action—the desire to reduce the suffering
of others motivates one to go out and help others. Meanwhile,
sympathetic joy helps to stem resentments as one cultivates an attitude
of appreciation for others’ achievements and successes, rather than begrudging
them.