Pure and Calm

Sutra 1.33

The mind becomes pure and calm by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight toward the virtuous, and benevolent indifference toward the unrighteous. 

This sutra is eminently practical for maintaining the steady state while living in the world. Naturally we must actually practice this as a discipline so that we can observe the benefit of a pervasive peaceful state while dealing with the infinite variety of people we come in contact with. We may think it would be easy to befriend the happy, delight in the virtuous, have compassion toward the unhappy and indifference toward the unrighteous; if they were strangers or distant acquaintances.

But what if the unhappy or unrighteous were in our own family living in the same house; or in the workplace? Could we maintain our composure of inner peace and steadiness beyond the familiar drama with someone we have known a long time; practice compassion and benevolent indifference toward unhappiness and unrighteousness persisting right in front of us? Consider even the same person whose moods may vary among all these qualities… can we find the right key to maintain undisturbed calm through the changes?

Consider also the case of those whom we might have a mutual dislike. If they are happy, can we be friendly? If they are virtuous, do we take delight? Think about this. Do the practice and see what it feels like. Patanjali tells us it will be wonderful, and it will bring us to a sublime serenity.

It is likely that our inner peace will be tested most frequently by the unhappy. What does it feel like to maintain our personal steadiness being touched by other’s negativity or anger? What inner feelings do we reach for in compassion? Can we find detached sympathetic kindness? Detachment insulates our serenity from entanglement with other’s emotional drama. Sympathy affirms our heart’s tenderness; and kindness will find a way to help the unfortunate in their time of discontent.

Now; what do we do about our own unhappiness? Just remember that it is only the ego that suffers; the Self is in bliss all the time. Chant the mantra, meditate, immerse yourself into the inner stillness that is the source of boundless joy and contentment. The impartial witness to our suffering is infinitely compassionate.

How much do we really want inner peace? Work with this self-evident practice in the most difficult situations and gain mastery of the steady state. We have come to meditation to awaken the deep inner serenity that lives always just behind the mind. We begin the quest in the safety of our personal meditation space; but ultimately we must take our discovery out into the world. In this sutra, Patanjali asks us to take our attainment into the light of day.

~Dennis Hill

Yoga Sutras