Sutra 1.33 The Four Locks and Keys
Sutra 1.33 The Four Locks and Keys
The "Four Locks and Keys" is a concept from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, specifically from Sutra 1.33. It's a simple, practical guide for maintaining mental peace and cultivating positive relationships with others. The locks refer to different types of people or situations we encounter, and the keys are the appropriate attitudes or responses to maintain balance and serenity.
The First Lock & Key: cultivating friendliness toward the happy.
The first lock is friendliness and ease, with the key being to meet this with loving-kindness. For instance, if a colleague greets you warmly at work, you might respond with a smile, fostering a pleasant atmosphere. But if their friendliness triggers self-doubt or insecurity about your own work performance, it can unsettle your mind. By simply acknowledging their kindness without overanalyzing, you signal positivity to yourself, which helps maintain mental calm.
The Second Lock & Key: Cultivating compassion towards the sad.
The second lock is experiencing unhappiness or discomfort, and the key lies in showing compassion towards those who are struggling. Imagine a family member is going through a tough time. Offer them support and let them know you're there for them, even if they prefer solitude. Try to empathize with their situation rather than attempting to fix their problems. Being present and understanding helps you keep a peaceful state of mind.
The Third Lock & Key: Delight toward the virtuous.
The third lock/key involves feeling joy for the achievements of others. This might be easy with public figures or celebrities, but more challenging with close acquaintances. For example, if a neighbor wins a local award while you haven’t achieved a similar recognition, can you feel genuine happiness for them? Instead of letting envy or self-criticism disrupt your peace, remember that appreciating their success reflects a deeper sense of unity where one person's win contributes to the collective good.
The Fourth Lock & Key: equanimity toward the non-virtuous.
The fourth lock/key is maintaining equanimity towards those we perceive as non-virtuous. This can be especially challenging in personal conflicts. If someone in your social circle is behaving unfairly, it’s not productive to ignore their actions or react with anger. Instead, address the situation calmly and with clarity. By finding a balanced approach, you can manage the situation effectively and foster positive change.
Summary of Real-Life Application:
Be happy for others’ success without comparison (Friendliness).
Show kindness to those suffering rather than judgment (Compassion).
Celebrate others’ good qualities without jealousy (Joy).
Stay calm in the face of negativity and avoid unnecessary emotional entanglement (Equanimity).
By using these approaches, you can maintain your peace and positively impact those around you.