Definition
The joy experienced in the face of the happiness, qualities or success of others, without envy or appropriation.
Altruistic joy does not demand to applaud an unjust success or to deny its own sadness. It concerns what is really good and can coexist with unmet personal needs.
To be retained
- Celebrating the Real Good
- To recognize envy without shame
- Don't deny your own needs
- Avoid constant comparison
Origin of the term and context
Muditā means joy or joy in pāli and Sanskrit. It is one of the four brahmavihāra with mettā, compassion and equanimity.
Why does it matter?
Rejoicing sincerely can support ties and counter hostile comparison. However, emotions are not instantly controlled; practice aims at progressive orientation.
- Celebrating the Real Good
- To recognize envy without shame
- Don't deny your own needs
- Avoid constant comparison
How can it be explored or practised?
- Commending a person in a specific way
- Name what success makes possible
- Observe envy without acting against it
- Celebrate also non-competitive quality
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Muditā does not celebrate an unfair advantage.
- She doesn't have to mask sadness.
- Social comparison is human and is being gradually worked out.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Theravāda: antidote to envy and jealousy.
- Mahāyāna: Rejoicing of the merits and qualities of others.
- Psychology: gratitude and relational capitalization, without complete equivalence.
To go further
- The Four Sublime Homes — Buddhist Comments
- Lovingkindness — Sharon Salzberg