4 Timeless Virtues From Patanjali Yoga Sutra: Foundations for a Harmonious Life

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4 Timeless Virtues From Patanjali Yoga Sutra

maitrī-karuṇā-muditopekṣāṇāṁ sukha-duḥkha-puṇyāpuṇya-viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaś-citta-prasādanam

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by distractions. However, we have the power to change this by embracing four essential virtues. These virtues act as our guide, enabling us to regain inner balance and achieve a deeper understanding and acceptance of any situation that comes our way. 

Through this powerful sutra, we learn valuable wisdom on how to navigate the complexities of everyday life, allowing us to effectively handle different types of people and situations without losing our true selves.

That’s where Patanjali Yoga Sutra I. 33 comes in. By embracing four key virtues from this sutra, we can realign ourselves with our inherent nature and find inner peace. These virtues include:  

  • Maitri– Friendship
  • Karuna– Compassion
  • Mudita– Joy
  • Upeksha– Indifference

These virtues are essential for maintaining a positive mindset and enjoying a favorable disposition in life.

Patanjali’s sutra also reveals that the world can be divided into four groups: 

  • Sukha-the blissful
  • dukkha– the sorrowful
  • punya-the virtuous
  • apunya– not-so-virtuous

At any given time, each of us falls into one of these categories.

Patanjali teaches us the power of embracing a yogic approach towards individuals, regardless of their current behavior or attitude. The essence of these four fundamental virtues or values, serve as invaluable markers on the path toward mental tranquility and true contentment.

Let’s understand these 4 virtues through the following stories!

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Story 1: Maitrī (Little Wounds) 

During the coldest winter ever, many animals perished due to the extreme cold. Porcupines, in an effort to stay warm, huddled together. However, their quills inadvertently injured their closest companions. Realizing the dilemma, the porcupines faced a choice: either endure the wounds caused by this closeness or face extinction. Wisely, they chose to stay together and accept these minor injuries, in exchange for the warmth and survival that came from unity.

Consider This:

Are you willing to put up with minor inconveniences in your close relationships, or have you decided to walk away from them entirely? We’ve become so intolerant, even the tiniest issues can disrupt our ability to coexist harmoniously. 

Having a loving and friendly attitude allows us to embrace people for who they truly are, without imposing unrealistic expectations. This fosters a mindset of unconditional acceptance, where we celebrate both the strengths and weaknesses of one another. 

Friendships provide opportunities for personal growth, as we recognize the invaluable role we play in each other’s lives for learning, understanding, and even survival.

Also read: Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga (According to Patanjali)

Story 2: Karuṇā (Disciple to Monk – What is Compassion..?) 

A disciple asked his master what compassion is. The master pointed to a beggar outside. They saw an old lady give the beggar a gold coin, a merchant give him five gold coins, and a boy give him a flower. The master asked the disciple who showed the most compassion, and he replied it was the merchant.

The master drew attention to three individuals’ actions towards a beggar. An old lady gave him a gold coin out of pity, while a merchant gave him five gold coins out of pride to display his wealth. However, a young boy showed compassion, offering a flower with love. 

The master explained that compassion is nobler than pity, as pity arises from fear, but compassion originates from love. It’s important to understand that all beings suffer similarly and deserve compassion. We should honor those who suffer and recognize that we are all equal.

Consider This:

How often do we show compassion to strangers or to someone who is suffering? Sadly, not very often. Why? Perhaps we’re quick to judge others as either good or bad – sound familiar? Let’s challenge that notion! 

What if we let go of our ego and judgments and embraced compassion? Karuṇā encourages us to shift from a self-centered mindset, constantly focused on our own growth, finances, and happiness, to a more empathetic and understanding approach focused on others.

Story 3: Mudita (The King & The Beggar)

Source | Deepak Chopra, The Soul in Love: Classic Poems of Ecstasy and Exaltation (Harmony, 2001) 

A beggar encountered a king while begging for alms. Expecting generosity, the beggar was taken aback when the king asked what he could give in return. Bewildered, the beggar offered a single grain of wheat, his meager possession. 

Later, at home, he discovered a golden grain among his meager belongings. Overwhelmed with regret, the beggar wondered what the king would have bestowed upon him if he had given his all.

Consider This

Don’t be fooled by material wealth! Are you also holding back and only giving a little, like a beggar grasping for a meager kernel? Real happiness comes from generously giving, even to those who have more than you. Celebrate the success of others, even if they seem to have it all. That’s the key to experiencing authentic joy!

Also read: Yoga in Vedas and Vedic Period (History, Elements, Yogis)

Story 4: Upeksha (Zen Master Hakuin)

The Zen Master Hakuin traveled to learn from other masters and then returned to his hometown to teach disciples. A young girl nearby became pregnant and accused Hakuin of being the father. When confronted by her angry parents, Hakuin simply replied, “Is that so?” Despite losing his reputation and disciples, Hakuin remained undisturbed and took joy in caring for the baby boy.

A year later, the girl admits to her parents that the real father of her child is not Hakuin, but a man from the local fish market. The girl’s parents apologize to Hakuin and ask for forgiveness, pleading to have the child back. Although Hakuin loves the child as his own, he agrees to give him up, responding only with “Is that so?”

Consider This: 

How often do we keep our cool when faced with adversity? And forget about adversity, how calm can we really be in something as simple as a traffic jam? A truly wise person doesn’t let tough times get them down or let good times go to their head. 

They learn to handle both happiness and sorrow, criticism and praise, and success and failure with an unwavering sense of equanimity. It’s all about staying balanced, no matter what life throws our way.

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