There is no solution for jealousy. It is like a weed. If not nipped in the bud, it will destroy the entire garden. It is like a creeper that grows over the plant that nourishes it and then it will destroy the plant. Jealousy is linked to selfishness (swarth), greediness (lobh), fame and desire to be superior to others. When these vices (vikaar) are present inside, then it leads to jealousy.
Jealousy prevents us from enjoying the fruits of our actions. Instead, all the time, we think about how to destroy the fruits of someone else’s action. Thus, instead of working on our progress, all the time we are thinking and working on how to retard the progress of others. Instead of working at self, we are only looking at others, thinking about others, and thus not doing anything for the self.
Jealousy is such a poison, it instils hatred, ego and desire to harm others. This vice, when instilled, can ultimately even lead to murder. The moment you feel unhappy about someone else’s success, you can rightly judge yourself is that you are jealous.
To overcome jealousy, the only solution is first to accept that you are jealous. Then work on the reason why you are jealous. Strongly suggest to yourself that you will not compare, and you will only think about your progress. You try to avoid the situation where you would be tempted to become jealous again. Slowly and gradually, you will be able to weed out the weed. Constant help of God is also required. You have to open up to God and tell him the problem within you. You need to say, “This is my problem. I am unable to overcome it. Help me to overcome it”. When prayed with sincere heart, help will come.
- These are topics of various aspects of spirituality as told by Para.