मैत्र्यादिषु बलानि॥२३॥

maitry-adiṣu balāni 

[samyama on] friendliness (maitrī) and the others (adiṣu), the strengths (balāni ) relating to those manifest.

PRACTICAL LIVING The others (adiṣu) here refer to those attributes listed in sūtra I.33: friendliness, compassion and joy). This sūtra is directly related to sūtra I.33, which is so significant that I will repost parts of it here:

Since relationships are such a huge part of our daily living and also have the potential to bring so much joy, Patanjali suggests that we practice our Yoga throughout our day while we relate to others. He summarizes people’s actions into 4 different categories and tells us that we have 4 great ways to (re)act to those to cultivate more calmness, more peace, more clarity:

• maitri: for those who are happier than us – be happy for them and celebrate with them. Often we feel jealous that someone else is happier than us, poisoning ourselves and often ruining others’ success.
• karuna: for those who are suffering, or not as happy – have compassion for them,  acquiring a softness and considerateness towards the other person. This requires us to leave the “me-centered” perspective we are in most of the day, worried about MY growth, MY finances, MY happiness…and approach a “you-centered” approach – being there for those who may need us, even if it’s only for 2 words, or one minute. Frequently when someone else is suffering we judge them, closing ourselves to a relationship with that person, allowing the ego to say things such as “If only he/she got a job, then…”.
• mudita: for those who do good deeds and are successful – praise them and be delighted for them. The ego also manifests as envy when we see others succeeding, reaching their goals, or even having a life we wish to have.
• upeksa: for those who do bad things – Patanjali suggests that we avoid them, get distance and focus on something else. Remain emotionally uninvolved, understanding that these people are themselves suffering and don’t see clearly. This does not mean, walk away from a violent act. It means, do what you have to do without having to give them advice or a life lesson. Often people who are doing harm are defensive and don’t want help.

This sūtra tells is that joy, compassion and friendliness are a practice, meaning it requires conscious action and consistency. As we do this, others change and every single person creates a ripple – a wake that touches everyone around them.

I recently suggested in a group I belong to that we write letters of love to people. Friends, family, the dentist, cashier at the grocery store…anyone we feel called to express our care towards. These gestures matter. They change the world one word at a time.

IN THE YOGA WORLD This sūtra also remind me of a buddhist practice called maitrī. The Lion’s Roar (https://www.lionsroar.com/open-your-heart-with-maitri/) gives a beautiful explanation if this simple yet profound practice:

In maitri practice, we start by tuning into somebody we love and wish well. Then, through the power of directing our thoughts and intentions, we try our best to extend that loving feeling toward our indifferent group, then even to our enemies, and then gradually to all beings everywhere. We recognize that none of these categories of friend, enemy, and don’t-care is really solid anyhow. They are all changing year to year, day by day, and even moment to moment.

The traditional form that our good wishes takes is contained in these four slogans:

May you be safe.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be at ease.

We bring our loved one to mind, then ourselves, then the neutral person, and then the “enemy” or irritating person. In each case we simply repeat these slogans or contemplate their meaning. In this way we can deliberately cultivate and direct our goodwill and positive intentions toward ourselves and others.

INSPIRATIONAL PERSON I spent two weeks in Peru at AyaMadre (https://www.ayamadre.com/) this past July. Aya Madre is a beautiful center owned by a Shipibo indigenous family and founded by their matriarch: Maestra Estela. I wanted to learn from her and from the plants. I got exactly what I was looking for and way beyond what I could imagine. What touched me profoundly was the care with which I was met. The Maestra once came to give me a cup of tea under a torrential rain at 9pm because she heard I was struggling with a headache. I was so touched bu her generosity and care. I also recently found myself struggling emotionally and reached out to her. She responded with so much love in her voice and with practical suggestions I could do to help me move what I was experiencing. In my eyes, she is the Peruvian version of a Yogi. All she wants is to share these indigenous teachings so more people can heal. Her wisdom, friendliness and compassion are inefable. Gracias Maestra! Muchas bendiciones a usted y a su familia hoy y siempre!