1. be friendly to happy people
2. compassionate to sad people
3. gladness in other’s virtues
4. indifference to wickedness

when you see a happy person, use the “friendliness” key. this means being able to share in another person’s happiness or good fortune, instead of being jealous or trying to destroy their joy through a bitter attitude or negative verbal comments. through jealousy, you will not disturb the happy person but you disturb your own serenity. so we should always have the friendliness key when we see happy people.

when you see an unhappy person, use the “compassion” key. when someone is upset, try to help them or comfort them if you can. if they need space, then leave them alone after letting them know you will be there for them when they are ready. don’t take pleasure in seeing someone else suffer, but remember how it felt when it happened to you & have compassion for them. by doing that, you will retain the peace of your own mind. “through compassion you find that all human beings are just like you.”

when you see a virtuous person, use the “delight” key. if you see a virtuous person, feel delighted. do not envy the person, but rather appreciate the virtuous qualities & try to cultivate them in your own life. as we rejoice in & appreciate their qualities, we are inspired by knowing such greatness is possible. observing noble qualities in others is a virtue of the heart.

when you see a wicked (non-virtuous) person, use the “disregard” key. we need to develop equanimity towards those whose actions oppose our values. it would be wonderful if all people always acted with honor and consciousness, but unfortunately this is not always the way. we ourselves, may have acted, spoken, or thought unkindly or hurt another person. so become indifferent to the person who is wicked at the moment.