Sympathetic Joy

 

  Sympathetic joy is one of the four sublime states. The Buddha referred to sympathetic joy as "Mind deliverance of happiness."  It is, quite simply, finding joy in others fortune. Many find it it the hardest brahma vihara (sublime state) to practice. Our mind is tough to break from it's selfishness, and this perhaps explains why it is easier to be compassionate for others than to celebrate on others equity. The mind perceives backwards when it comes to what we have compared to others. We believe we have less, because we only see what others do have. This is the first attitude we must overcome to feel sympathetic joy.

   Sympathetic joy implies that others will share in my joy, and I theirs. It is the charity of the heart. To learn sympathetic joy and practice it opens both our mind and heart. I can understand why this is so hard to practice, this sympathetic joy. When I was a child, I was greedy. As I grew up, ignorance clouded my mind. But now, I understand. When others take wing and fly, it is a great day. It does not matter who they are, for I feel their joy, be it close to me, or an utter stranger. May you understand this as well. There is no need to be a greedy child or an ignorant young adult. Cherish that sympathetic joy and let it overwhelm your heart, freeing your mind.

  We must mention resentment, the enemy to sympathetic joy. Sympathetic joy is the answer for envy, jealousy, and I guess you can even say rivalry. Most people would rather rejoice in ones short comings than their good fortune. We can see how rare sympathetic joy (or mudita) really is. We must remember man has the potential to do as much good as bad. We do not have to be limited. Be like a proud mother celebrating over the achievements of her child.

   It's important to understand another core truth. The only one we have to blame is ourselves. If we can look past this, then we can embrace sympathetic joy, which is truly grand. What lies in our heart will be our outer truth. Compassion is considered easier to achieve than sympathetic joy. This is quaint. I'd say if we can feel compassionate to our fellow brother and sister, than we are on our way to sympathetic joy. We must control our human nature, and let our new nature become satisfied in others' accomplishments. Both love and compassion will help sympathetic joy blossom, as they are the soil and food for sympathetic joy.

   We have learned that sympathetic joy is a true and amazing sublime state.  When practiced properly, we will become elated over other's success. It may not happen overnight, but we will soon understand what it is like. We should not feel resentment, as it will poison our being. Sympathetic joy goes alongside compassion, equanimity, and love, for together they are the for sublime states. Go forth, practice, meditate, and stay tuned for more great content.