The nature of consciousness to know itself is the subject of the Yoga Sutras. How this formless, untraceable entity is capable of perceiving itself and its own ability is phenomenal. Studies in physics, neurobiology and psychology affirm the unique dynamics of consciousness as a causal influence.

According to Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, consciousness and its earth-moving potential is uncomplicated. Simply light up your grin and feel “the hidden power of friendliness.”

Good Vibrations

Friendliness from the heart is transformative. Patanjali extracted this revelation from earlier Vedic texts around 200 BCE. Like a universal tuner, dialing into a smiling channel becomes immediately apparent. Patanjali suggests “The Four Positive Attitudes” for boosting benevolent wattage.

The Four Positive Attitudes

Sutra 1:33 emphasizes practicing attitudes of friendliness by establishing it into your own life. In the book, The Secret of the Yoga Sutra, author Pandit Rajmani Tigunait notes that “friendliness should feel normal, not pretentious.” He says artificiality is distracting and shrinks perspective.

In turn, genuine thoughts, speech and actions expand one’s internal environment. With an atmosphere of authenticity, cultivate these qualities while reducing mental disruptions:

  1. Maitri. Adopting a sense of goodwill when encountering someone who is happy or successful rather than with envy or negativity.
  2. Karuna. Compassion for those who are struggling by offering support and kindness.
  3. Mudita. The delight in appreciating good deeds instead of casting aspersions.
  4. Upeksha. A state of balance when encountering those who are obnoxious or instigate animosity.

As a result of elevating these attitudes, balance and composure can be felt through clearer perception. Better decision-making and more fulfilling relationships are available. With inner balance comes accepting one’s own strengths and imperfections equally.

How to Get Friendly From Within

Sutra 1:35 offers Kapla-bhedi (skull piercing) pranayama to quiet the mind. This pranayama unites mental awareness with the breath anchoring a focal point for the mind.

Here is a simple breakdown of Kapala-bhedi pranayama:

  1. Quietly inhale diaphragmatically.
  2. Hold the breath for about the same amount of time (counting is helpful).
  3. Exhale through the nose with more breath than taken while feeling the belly deflate.
  4. Comfortably hold the breath.
  5. Repeat

Watch the breath and spot any distractions throughout the cycle and let it go. Return your attention to breathing. This sutra also mentions that the segment of breath retention is a distinct period of awareness.

The unobstructed space created in this practice not only steadies the mind; it also supports the next step. A meditation called “Lotus of the Heart.”

Lotus of the Heart Meditation

In many spiritual contexts, the lotus is used as an image for the sublime. The metaphorical heart used in this meditation combines pranayama, visualization and mantra to poise attentiveness.

Because this system of meditation described by sutra 1:36 moves outside the margins of the body, using breath, images and sound encourage the mind to flow willingly.

  1. Begin by breathing in through the region of the eyebrow center. This very subtle, yet active area governs meditative vibrations, intuition and spiritual awareness.
  2. Breathe out feeling the delicate energy of your life force. Feel it move up through the crown of the head and simultaneously down through the physical heart while radiating outward past the confines of the body.
  3. Rhythmically add the mantra, So-Hum (I am that). As the lungs fill, exhale with the sound of “So” and sense a discrete energy spread. Followed by the word “Hum,” feel your center of awareness expand.

Center of Awareness

Just as the physical heart is located at the center of the body, the spiritual heart is at the center of awareness. Here, the lotus of the heart does not have shape, size or color comparable to anything physical, yet it is distinctly perceptible. Effortlessly, feel this space of consciousness and your center of awareness.

In tantric philosophy, the metaphysics of Purusha (the seer) and Prakriti (quantum matter) merge during Lotus of the Heart meditation. Sutra 3.4 examines consciousness and the subatomic field.

Consciousness and Quantum Theory

According to the classical Indian school of Vaisheshika logic, Purusha is consciousness. Like energy, it is unchanging. Prakriti represents the atomic material of the universe. These elements are central to modern physics.

The Neurobiology and Psychology of Friendliness

Neuroscience, like the Sutras, proves the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Additionally, fusing thought and action adds mental congruency while closing the gap on cognitive dissonance. 

In essence, the sutras supply a means to the rhythm of life. The power of friendliness requires participation in the frequencies we choose to emit. Altering brain and body chemistry at various intersections in the crosscurrents of reality is a real goal in yoga.

Consciousness is the inanimate life force which has no alternative but to understand itself when allowed. The power of friendliness not only informs the acceptance of self and others, but resonates with balance, skill and mental ability.