Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c16.235

c16.235

**Moral Means of Yoga.** The pre-requisite of Concentration of Mind is its purification (*parikarma = chitta-pariśuddhi*). One whose *antaḥkaraṇa* or heart is unpurified and full of such feelings as jealousy cannot successfully (*saṁpatti*) effect concentration and the means of concentration aforesaid. Therefore, the Sūtra-kāra now proceeds to set forth the means by which the placidity, undisturbed calm of the mind (*chitta-prasādanam*) may be secured.' These consist of the cultivation of the following moral attitudes or virtues: (1) *Maitrī*, desire for and enjoyment of the happiness of others so as to shut out the taint of envy (*īrshā or paraśrīkātaratā*); (2) *Karuṇā*, or Sympathy for the suffering. One must treat another's suffering as his own and exert himself to remove it as if it is own suffering. This is called Aaruṇā or compassion. This virtue is an antidote to the taint of a desire to injure others. (3) *Muditā*, happiness at seeing the virtues of others. This wards off the taint of *asūyā* which finds fault in virtue. (4) *Upekshā*, indifference towards the sinful by shunning their company. This will overcome the taint of *krodha* or wrath at the sight of sin.