In our busy modern lives, peace of mind often feels out of reach. But thousands of years ago, Sage Patanjali gave us four simple keys that can unlock inner peace and harmony with others. These are known as:
- Maitri – Friendliness
- Karuna – Compassion
- Mudita – Joy
- Upeksha – Equanimity
By practicing these attitudes, we can transform our relationships and our own inner state.
1. Maitri – Be Friendly with the Happy
When someone is successful or joyful, celebrate them instead of feeling jealous. Patanjali teaches that friendliness creates connection, while envy only disturbs our mind.
Practice tip: Congratulate a friend’s success, big or small. Let their happiness inspire you.
2. Karuna – Show Compassion to the Suffering
Compassion means feeling and acting with kindness towards those who are struggling. Instead of turning away, offer support.
Practice tip: Listen to someone without judgment. Even small acts of kindness ripple outward.
3. Mudita – Rejoice in the Virtuous
Be joyful when you see goodness in others. Celebrate honesty, generosity, and wisdom wherever you find it.
Practice tip: Acknowledge and praise acts of kindness you witness – it encourages more of the same in the world.
4. Upeksha – Stay Calm with the Negative
Equanimity means remaining balanced when faced with negativity or wrongdoing. It doesn’t mean indifference, but not letting anger or frustration consume us.
Practice tip: When you see someone acting poorly, remind yourself: “They are acting from ignorance. I choose peace.”
Why These Four Keys Matter
Practicing these attitudes transforms not only our interactions but also our inner world. Patanjali explains that by applying them, the mind becomes peaceful and clear. And when the mind is calm, we are free to experience the deeper truths of yoga.
Learn and Live These Keys in Rishikesh
At Rishikesh Adi Yogi, our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses include Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as living wisdom. You’ll practice these four keys – not just in theory, but in daily life with your fellow students and teachers.
Peace of mind is not a distant dream – it’s a daily practice.
Join us in Rishikesh, and begin your journey to a calmer, kinder, and more joyful life.
