We have spoken often about our practice helping us to find a place of stability and ease or "comfort". I'd like to reflect on this verse in light of that, because the practice of I.33 invites us to meet the exact opposite - the possibility of discomfort in relation to that which we might - without the foundation of our practice - envy, pity, or judge from a place of self-righteousness.
Maitri-karunamudito-upeskhanam, sukha-duhkha-punya-apunya-visayanam bhavanatah
citta-prasadanam
Patanjali suggests that once our mind has become clear and calm (one-pointed, like a lake with no ripples), four states will naturally arise:
- maitri - deep or intense friendliness for those who are happy
- karuna - tender compassion for those who are suffering
- mudita - delight, joy for those who are living in integrity and spiritual awareness
- upeksha - deep regard and consideration for those who have failed or fallen
However, most of us, myself included, are not "enlightened" and only experience one pointedness as a fleeting opening in a more usual state of constant internal narration, comparison, desire, aversion...
It is through commitment to our practice that we deepen our ability to rest in awareness of what is going on in our mind (citta vritti, mental whirlpools) and so have the possibility of clear, compassionate and courageous response rather than reacting out of our mental habits. This awareness may (possibly should) leave us in the position of feeling the discomfort of our judgments, jealousies, predjudices, and/or the discomfort of having harmed someone (intentionally or unintentionally).
Adapted from Rohit Mehta Yoga, the art of integration (1975): When the obstacles are removed, a new approach to human relationship is revealed and is symbolized by deep friendliness (towards the happy), tender [and active] compassion (towards the suffering), delight (for those living "well"), and deep regard or consideration (for "failings")