As I've mentioned now approximately 792 times, my favorite part of being here are the scripture classes. In the Sutras of Patanjali (notice the translation is done by the guru who founded Yogaville - had to brag) Book One, Verse 33 it explains there being only four locks in life and four keys to open them. By keeping the four keys always with you when you come across any of the four locks you will have the proper means to open it and maintain your peace of mind.
One of the premises of yoga is using your prana, or life force, efficiently. When someone disrupts your peace of mind that energy no longer has as much power. This sutra has been particularly useful to me here because I tend to be really sensitive and allow others' attitudes and behaviors to affect me more than could be considered healthy.
By cultivating attitudes of friendliness towards the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.
- The first key is friendliness towards happy people. Sometimes our natural tendency become jealousy or competition. Using friendliness allows us to become friends.
- The second key is compassion towards unhappy. This allows us to provide empathy and offer help if they need it.
- The third key is delight/gracious towards virtuous people. Acknowledge we can learn from them and appreciate their qualities.
- The fourth key is disregard/indifference towards wicked/small-minded people. Don't try to advise them remember instead there was a time when we could have been that way and remain calm.
Today I'm grateful for Dove Promises, walks to the Lotus shrine alone, and yummy salads.
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