Jealousy is an emotion that disrupts internal peace, leads to disharmony in relationships, and sows seeds of conflict in society. In the Hindu perspective, jealousy (often referred to as “matsarya”) is considered one of the six enemies of the mind, or “Arishadvargas,” that obstruct spiritual growth. These six enemies are: kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (delusion), mada (pride), and matsarya (jealousy). Jealousy, in particular, is a destructive force because it emanates from a sense of lack and comparison with others. It clouds judgment, disturbs one’s mental tranquility, and distances one from the pursuit of spiritual and personal well-being.
Symbolism in Hinduism
In Hindu mythology, jealousy is often symbolized by negative characters who exhibit excessive envy towards others, leading to their eventual downfall. A key example is the story of Duryodhana from the Mahabharata. Duryodhana’s jealousy of the Pandavas—particularly Yudhishthira’s righteous conduct and Arjuna’s prowess—drives him to commit numerous wrongdoings. His envy blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading to the great war of Kurukshetra, which ultimately results in the destruction of his family and kingdom.
This story serves as a potent reminder that jealousy not only harms the person harboring it but also causes widespread destruction, leading to the loss of peace on a personal and societal level.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, highlight the negative effects of jealousy and the importance of cultivating a peaceful and contented mind. A few quotes are particularly relevant:
-
Bhagavad Gita (16:22):
“There are three gates leading to hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane person should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.”
While jealousy isn’t directly mentioned here, it often arises from lust (desire for what others have) and greed (wanting more). Overcoming these tendencies is essential for peace. -
Bhagavad Gita (2:70):
“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy such desires.”
Jealousy stems from unfulfilled desires and comparisons with others. To achieve peace, one must learn contentment and stillness. -
Taittiriya Upanishad (2:1):
“Let there be no jealousy between us.”
This simple prayer emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony, where jealousy is seen as a divisive force.
Stories from Hinduism
The story of Garuda and Kadru, found in the Mahabharata, also addresses the theme of jealousy. Kadru, the mother of serpents, becomes jealous of Vinata, Garuda’s mother. To fulfill her desire for power, Kadru manipulates a situation to enslave Vinata, causing suffering to both her and Garuda. This jealousy-driven action not only creates animosity between the two families but also disturbs their personal peace. Garuda later has to embark on a difficult journey to liberate his mother, symbolizing how jealousy leads to prolonged conflict and suffering.
Another example is from the story of Shiva and Sati. Sati’s father, King Daksha, was jealous of Shiva’s popularity and spiritual power. Out of jealousy and pride, he insults Shiva, leading to a tragic end when Sati sacrifices herself. This story teaches us how jealousy can destroy relationships and personal peace.
Modern-Day Relevance
In the modern world, jealousy manifests in various forms—ranging from workplace rivalry and sibling competition to social media envy. The endless comparison fostered by platforms like Instagram or Facebook can lead to feelings of inadequacy, fueling jealousy. This emotion often arises when people see others achieving more success, fame, or recognition. However, indulging in such feelings results in stress, anxiety, and a loss of mental peace.
In workplaces, jealousy can create toxic environments. Rather than focusing on their own growth, employees might become envious of colleagues’ success. This hampers productivity, creates resentment, and leads to unhealthy competition. Instead, a mindset of cooperation, support, and collective growth can foster a peaceful and productive atmosphere.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
To deal with jealousy and maintain peace, Hindu teachings encourage:
-
Practice of Contentment (Santosha): Contentment is emphasized as a virtue in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other Hindu texts. It involves being satisfied with what one has and not constantly comparing oneself to others.
-
Self-reflection (Svadhyaya): Self-study, or Svadhyaya, is another tool. It encourages introspection and the identification of negative emotions such as jealousy, allowing individuals to work on themselves before these emotions lead to destructive behavior.
-
Cultivation of Compassion: Replacing jealousy with compassion and admiration is a powerful method to cultivate inner peace. Instead of envying others, one can rejoice in their success, recognizing that everyone has their unique path.
-
Meditation and Mindfulness: Regular practice of meditation helps calm the mind and brings awareness to negative thoughts and emotions. It allows one to detach from jealousy, realizing that external comparisons are fleeting and superficial.
Additional Thoughts
Jealousy stems from a perception of lack or inadequacy. It creates inner turbulence and often leads to poor decision-making, strained relationships, and mental unrest. By adopting the values embedded in Hindu philosophy—such as contentment, compassion, and self-awareness—individuals can overcome jealousy and its destructive effects, fostering a sense of inner peace.
In a world obsessed with material success, the Hindu perspective offers a timeless solution: the realization that true peace comes not from external accomplishments or possessions but from an inner state of contentment and spiritual growth.
In Hinduism, jealousy is recognized as a significant obstacle to both personal peace and societal harmony. Stories, symbols, and teachings within the tradition provide numerous examples of how jealousy causes destruction and suffering. The practical teachings of contentment, self-awareness, and compassion are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. Overcoming jealousy requires consistent inner work, but it leads to lasting peace—a peace that benefits not just the individual but everyone around them.