Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 1.33
“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy,
Compassion for the unhappy,
Delight in the virtuous,
Disregard for the wicked,
Our mind remains calm and undisturbed”.
Centuries ago, the teachings of the Yoga Sutra’s were given by the great sage, Patanjali. In all there are 196 sutras, or threads of wisdom, which contain the road map to chart your own course to emotional and mental wellbeing, and spiritual fulfillment…
Yoga Sutra 1.33 says that we can achieve a calm and clear mind by being happy for those that are happy, compassionate towards those who are distressed, feeling goodwill towards those doing praiseworthy things, and equanimity in the observance of errors of by others.
By reflecting on this sutra and putting it into action we begin to cleanse ourselves of the toxins of jealousy and envy, we can reduce our desire or tendency to inflict harm on others, we can participate in the upward spiral of celebrating other peoples’ success and joy, and we build our tolerance for those that may have chosen a path different to our own.
In reference to the last line of the sutra – “disregard for the wicked”, I don’t think Patanjali is suggesting non-action here but rather to act, or choose not to act, from a state of clarity and equanimity. Sometimes when we see someone else doing something we perceive as ‘wrong’, we jump in before we actually have the full picture. Other times, when we launch hurriedly into crisis mode, our actions might be unhelpful. My understanding here is that Patanjali is suggesting that we slow down, take the time to think through the situation, possibly consult others and then choose our course of action from this calm, dispassionate state of mind.
Cultivating an awareness of this sutra and putting it into action helps to calm our minds, steady our hearts and fine tunes our social interactions. This sutra is a simple key to unlocking harmony in our relationships and the interactions we encounter in daily life. Reflect on it and I’d love to hear how it manifests in your life.
Love to all,
Suz x
Suzy is available for counselling, coaching and private yoga sessions at her consulting room in Cammeray, Sydney, home visits, coaching via phone or skype, and ‘walk & talk’ sessions by appointment.
Contact Suzy at: suzy@suzyreading.co.uk
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