Episode 170 - Freedom from Envy

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

In Buddhism, envy is considered a painful state of mind because it arises from a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of reality and the origin of happiness.

Envy is rooted in the belief that one's own happiness and well-being are dependent on the possessions, achievements, or circumstances of others. This belief leads to comparison with others and a sense of inadequacy or lack, which actually causes the suffering of envy. Happiness and suffering both depend on the mind

Envy is one of the 16 defilements of the mind. Envy can lead to negative actions and harmful behaviors towards others. These harmful actions create negative karma, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

In Buddhism, the path to freedom from envy involves cultivating a sense of contentment and gratitude for what one has, rather than longing for what others have.

Envy involves just two people, you and tge one who seems to have something you want. Such envy between you and a friend or if-worker separates them from your Lovingkindness. This ten year comes from discontent

Envy Antidote content, gratitude. Rejoicing

Jealousy antidote identify where it’s coming from. Rejoice in their happiness. Your love should make them feel free

Jealousy with a partner creates a separation from them, where you don’t really care about their happiness or freedom. Jealousy comes from insecurity

One shouldn’t scorn what one has received,

Nor envy others.

The mendicant who envies others

Doesn’t become concentrated. (365)*

The gods praise the mendicant

Who lives purely and untiringly

And who doesn’t scorn

What he or she receives,

Even if receiving just a little. (366)

Envy versus contentment

Envy = desire for what another has mixed with some anger toward that person

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 (Link)

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1. Pages 224-225. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.

Simmer-Brown, J (2015). Transforming the Green-eyed Monster. Tricycle Magazine. Retrieved from https://tricycle.org/magazine/transforming-green-eyd-monster/

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