Samādhi Pāda · Sutra 33
मैत्रीकरुणामुदितोपेक्षणां सुखदुःखपुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातश्चित्तप्रसादनम्
maitrī-karuṇā-muditā-upekṣāṇāṃ sukha-duḥkha-puṇya-apuṇya-viṣayāṇāṃ bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam
Clarity of mind is obtained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion toward the suffering, joy toward the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous.
The four attitudes (bhāvanā) of the Brahmavihāras:
- Maitrī toward the happy — Instead of envy, cultivate friendliness
- Karuṇā toward the suffering — Active compassion, not pity
- Muditā toward the virtuous — Joy in others’ goodness
- Upekṣā toward the non-virtuous — Equanimity, non-reactivity
These attitudes neutralize the disturbing emotions that agitate the mind. They are not merely ethical but practical tools for attaining citta-prasādana — the serene clarity that enables deep meditation.