THE KEYS TO HAPPINESS

photo by Cherrie Hanson

By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.
–Book One, #33 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

This “sutra” is one of almost 200 from the primary text of Yoga, or Raja Yoga. Sutras are verses, or threads of wisdom, guiding and enlightening, similar to scriptures of the Bible, Koran, or Torah. The sutras are expanded upon by the teacher or student, contemplated, and practiced.

It’s important to understand that the principles of the sutras are not religious or philosophical, rather they are universal human truths. In Peter Hayes book, “The Supreme Adventure” he clarifies this idea. “Reading the works of such masters as Patanjali, one is struck by their modern-or more precisely, timeless-point of view.
Their outlook is scientific, not ‘religious.’ Their words are not a catechism of what they believe, but a report of what they’ve seen and heard, like the log of an expedition. The only difference is that these spiritual explorers traveled within: their laboratory was the human body; their microscope, meditation; their object of study their own inner Self.”

On my expedition of life, there have been situations with people who make me feel good and those who have hurt me terribly. I was raised Catholic, told to forgive, turn the other cheek, and show compassion for the weak and sick. But the 33rd sutra adds a pivotal element that gives me peace and releases me from continual harm.
It states, have “compassion for the unhappy”, and “disregard toward the wicked.” In other words, there are those in this world who have turned away from the light, their energy is contrary to the good, or positive, and being near these people is not healthy.
It’s not that you would wish them any harm, or shouldn’t pray for their souls, but it’s OK to choose not to be involved in a relationship with them.

But what if this person were a family member, close friend, or spouse? This can become difficult and complicated. If you choose to distance yourself from a family member or divorce a spouse there can be outside pressures to forgive, forget, and work it out. Yet, to retain undisturbed calmness of your mind, it’s important to surround yourself with love and light. The evolution of your soul is guided and managed by the choices you make alone. This may not always be favorable to others, but if they love you, and that love is real, they will respect your decision. To maintain a state of peace, indifference toward those who you cannot help, and those who do not want help, is the best position to take. We are not meant to be each other’s saviors, instead we are responsible for our own journeys. What a relief.

Patanjali calls these attitudes “keys”: friendliness, compassion, delight, and disregard. And the four locks are: happy people, unhappy people, the virtuous, and the wicked. When you encounter any of these locks in your life, these keys will help you handle each properly, and the serenity of your mind will be continuous.

When you meet someone who is happy do not become jealous or critical. Your negative feelings will only harm you. When you find someone who is unhappy, realize they have their own path or karma to work out in this life. Be merciful and compassionate, lend a helping hand, and foster your own goodness helping another. When you find virtuous people, delight in crossing their path and cultivate their great qualities. And lastly when you come across the wicked, realize they will not be open to advice or council, let them go until they can find their way back to the light.

“These four keys should always be with you in your pocket. If you use the right key with the right person you will retain your peace. Nothing in the world can upset you then. Remember, our goal is to keep a serene mind.” -Patanjali