HAVING NO MEANS TO HELP BUT REJOICING IN OTHERS’ GOOD DEEDS IS THE CULTIVATION OF SYMPATHETIC JOY
Master Jun Hong Lu: I have mentioned before, do not badmouth others, because if you do, you are very far from resembling Bodhisattva. In this case, how can you possibly ascend to heaven? Think about it, is there anything at all in this world that pleases you? Is there a day in your life that you feel content? Tell me, since young, have you ever experienced a sense of contentment? You have to be more broad-minded.
Having no means to help but rejoicing in others’ good deeds is the cultivation of sympathetic joy. You must never let jealousy and the urge to slander others invade your heart.
Why is ‘the merits of responding with joy’ forms part of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva’s Ten Great Vows? You sing praises of the admirable; you do all that is wholesome and you take every opportunity to help others – this is what it means by ‘The Merits of Responding with Joy’. And, this is how you garner meritorious blessings.
Did you know why you should not be jealous of others or slander them? This is because the moment jealousy arises, evil spirits will approach you as jealousy is the character trait of these spirits.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s Buddhism In Plain Terms, Volume 11 Chapter 14
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