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Sympathetic
joy (muditā) is the ability of being happy in the
happiness of others and is therefore the opposite of jealousy, spite
and envy. This attractive mental state is one of the four Brahma
Vihāras, the different expressions of love. The
Buddha says: 'Let one be pleased and joyous with the gains of others
just as one is pleased and joyous with one's own gains' (S.II,198).
Sadly, the common reaction to other people's success and good-fortune
is envy, jealousy or disparagement of their abilities. This is
particularly true in societies where being a 'winner' is held up as
the ideal and competitiveness in all aspects of life is emphasized.
In Buddhism, where co-operation and sharing are valued and everyone
participates in and partakes of the benefits of a successful
enterprise, jealousy is far less common. The ancient Buddhist custom
of 'dedicating good' (puṭṭa anumodana) to others
probably also encourages sympathetic joy. | |
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