159. Maitrī (मैत्री) - friendly envy?

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 CE, continue to offer us timeless guidance on finding peace and steadiness within ourselves. In Sutra 1:33 Patanjali emphasizes the value of cultivating Maitrī (मैत्री), an attitude of friendliness toward those who are happy. This simple yet powerful practice encourages us to meet others' joy with warmth and genuine kindness, transforming how we relate to ourselves and others.

Swami Satchidananda underscores the significance of this sutra, suggesting that it has universal value, whether or not one is pursuing yoga as a path: "Whether you are interested in reaching samādhi or plan to ignore Yoga entirely, I would advise you to remember at least this one sūtra. It will be very helpful to you in keeping a peaceful mind in your daily life." Satchidananda highlights how Sutra 1:33 can act as a cornerstone for a peaceful mind, particularly as we encounter others' happiness and success.

In practicing Maitrī—friendliness—we reduce the seeds of envy that often arise when we see others enjoying success or happiness. Rather than feeling diminished by others’ achievements, Maitrī invites us to celebrate them. By sincerely appreciating the happiness of others, we free ourselves from comparison and jealousy, fostering a natural sense of joy that lifts us up rather than weighs us down.

This teaching aligns closely with the Bhagavad Gita’s concept of samatvam (समत्वम्), which is the steady, balanced mind that is equated with yoga itself: “samatvam yoga ucyate” (समत्वं योग उच्यते)—yoga is balance of mind. In cultivating Maitrī, we steady the mind by aligning ourselves with friendliness and goodwill, creating a foundation that supports inner peace.

The simplicity of this sutra belies its depth; by adopting Maitrī as a daily practice, we not only enhance our own inner stability but also nurture a more compassionate and joyful relationship with the world.