Yoga Sutra 1.33: A Guide to a Compassionate Heart and a Calm Mind
As translated by Nischala Joy Devi in The Secret Power of Yoga
“To preserve openness of heart and calmness of mind, nurture these attitudes:
• Kindness to those who are happy
• Compassion for those who are less fortunate
• Honor for those who embody noble qualities
• Equanimity to those whose actions oppose your values”
The Yoga Sutras were written by the sage Patanjali thousands of years ago. It strikes me that we humans, in our modern world, still have the same inner struggles. This particular sutra, 1.33, has always stood out to me as a deeply human guide for cultivating peace in both the heart and mind.
Kindness to Those Who Are Happy
At first glance, this sounds simple. But when we pause, we might notice subtle feelings of comparison, envy, or resentment when others succeed or seem joyful. This line encourages us to meet those reactions with compassion—to ourselves first—and then choose genuine kindness. When we celebrate others’ happiness, we create more joy in the world. The Sanskrit word for kindness or friendliness is maitri.
Compassion for Those Who Are Less Fortunate
This seems like it should be easy but it is not uncommon to forget that many people are struggling and we are not even aware of it. Also, it is easy to take for granted all the comforts that we have in this modern world. We are reminded to keep our hearts open to the suffering we may not see and to extend care where we can. The Sanskrit word for compassion is karuna.
Honor for Those Who Embody Noble Qualities
Patanjali reminds us to be reverent and humble. To honor the teachers, the elders, and those who inspire us with their wisdom. The Sanskrit word for joy and honor is mudita.
Equanimity to Those Whose Actions Oppose Your Values
This may be the most challenging one for many of us. Yoga does not tell us that we should not feel angry or take action to help and care for others who are hurt. It is not about spiritual bypassing or ignoring what is happening. What it does teach us is how to approach difficult people and situations with an inner steadiness. How to process our emotions, keep our hearts open and connect to our wisdom so that we may speak and act- not react-from a place of clarity, compassion and inner wisdom. The Sanskrit word for equanimity is upeksha.
You can find Nischala Joy Devi’s book on Amazon HERE