Friendship is one of the most cherished bonds in our lives, bringing joy, support, and a sense of belonging. But when we look through the lens of ancient yogic wisdom, friendship—or maitri (Sanskrit) or metta (Pali)—is not just a social or emotional connection. It is a spiritual discipline. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, friendship is seen as a path to inner harmony and universal compassion, reminding us that maitri is a powerful tool for self-transformation. The word maitri has a root ‘mita’ which means that is what is close to the heart. Interestingly, mitra (friend) is a neuter-gender word in Sanskrit and hence any object can become a mitra truly showing the promise for friendship with the universe.
Patanjali, in Yoga Sutra 1.33, emphasizes:
“Maitrī-karuṇā-muditā-upekṣāṇāṁ sukha-duḥkha-puṇya-apuṇya-viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam.”
This sutra advises cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the suffering, joy in the virtuous, and equanimity toward the non-virtuous to attain clarity and serenity of mind. Here, maitri is not just about being nice to people—it is about learning to genuinely rejoice in others’ happiness, without jealousy or judgment. It is a practice that purifies the heart and cleanses the mind.
Similarly, in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 12, Verse 13), Lord Krishna says:
“Adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ maitraḥ karuṇa eva ca” – One who has no hatred for any being, who is friendly and compassionate, is dear to Me. This universal friendship, or sarva-bhūta-maitri, is not limited by personal preference. It teaches us to move beyond the ego, to see the divine in all beings, and to be a friend to the world, not just to a few.
Well, but how do we develop such friendships in our daily lives? It begins with awareness and inner work. Practicing maitri starts with ourselves—by being non-judgmental, forgiving, and kind to our own being. Then, through daily mindfulness, selfless service, active listening, and letting go of expectations, we build deep, meaningful friendships. Yogic friendship thrives on trust, presence, and shared spiritual growth. It’s not about always agreeing—but about evolving together. Yoga helps you become a friend inside out.
One powerful way to cultivate maitri is through Satsang (keeping the company of the wise), engaging in shared yogic practices (chanting, meditation, etc), and living the values of empathy and humility. Taking time to reflect on how we show up in our friendships—are we giving space? Are we truly listening? Are we celebrating others’ success without envy?—can gradually shift our hearts from attachment to affection, from expectation to unconditional love.At Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), we don’t just teach Yoga—we live its spirit. Maitri is one of the foundational attitudes we encourage in our students, faculty, and community. It creates a safe space where growth, learning, and transformation can flourish. This Friendship Day, if you’re ready to embrace deeper, more conscious connections—not just with others but with yourself—come join us at VaYU and let the journey of maitri begin. See you at VaYU.