The test of Ahimsa is absence of jealousy. Any man may do a good deed or make a good gift on the spur of the moment or under the pressure of some superstition or priest craft; but the real lover of mankind is he who is jealous of none. … So long as this jealousy exists in a heart, it is far away from the perfection of Ahimsa. … The man whose heart never cherishes even the thought of injury to anyone, who rejoices at the prosperity of even his greatest enemy, that man is the Bhakta, he is the Yogi, he is the Guru of all. (Swami Vivekananda)
It has been said that there is no such thing as absolute ahimsa. It is not possible even for the most conscientious monk to practise total ahimsa. In order to live, one has perforce to destroy life, howsoever unwillingly or remorsefully. What is important to remember and to practise is purity of heart, equality of vision with respect to all beings, and kindness and compassion for all those who are depressed, deprived, and destitute. Ahimsa, as Swami Vivekananda emphasizes, is absence of jealousy, not cherishing even a thought to hurt.
Additional Thoughts And Explanation:Swami Vivekananda's reflection on Ahimsa (non-violence) emphasizes that its true essence lies in the complete absence of jealousy. Ahimsa, a key tenet of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, often translates to non-violence in action, speech, and thought. However, Swami Vivekananda takes it a step further by pointing out that Ahimsa is not merely about refraining from physical violence but requires the purification of the heart from negative emotions such as jealousy, envy, and malice. This idea invites us to consider Ahimsa as a state of mind that fosters love, compassion, and selflessness.
Understanding and Symbolism of Jealousy in Ahimsa
Jealousy, according to Swami Vivekananda, is an inner violence that disturbs one's peace and causes harm not just to others but also to oneself. When we envy others' success or happiness, we harbor ill feelings, thus deviating from the true spirit of Ahimsa. By completely eradicating jealousy, we can live in harmony with others, wishing for their welfare and celebrating their achievements rather than feeling threatened by them.
This teaching goes beyond superficial acts of kindness or charity; anyone can perform a good deed or give a gift due to societal pressure, superstition, or ritual, but such actions do not guarantee true selflessness. The true test of Ahimsa, as Vivekananda suggests, is whether we can genuinely rejoice in others’ happiness, even if they are our enemies. This level of selflessness represents the highest form of spiritual love, turning an ordinary person into a Bhakta (devotee), Yogi (practitioner of union with the divine), and Guru (spiritual teacher).
Symbolism and Importance of Ahimsa in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Ahimsa is more than just physical non-violence. It is deeply connected with self-purification and the cultivation of virtues like love, truth, and humility. Ahimsa is considered the highest dharma (moral duty) and a means of attaining moksha (liberation). Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita urges detachment from selfish desires, which are often at the root of jealousy. The yogi who attains inner peace is one who overcomes jealousy and views all beings with equanimity.
In Hindu philosophy, the law of karma plays a significant role in understanding jealousy. Our thoughts and actions create consequences, and when we harbor ill will toward others, we inevitably suffer negative consequences ourselves. Therefore, transcending jealousy through Ahimsa leads to inner peace, good karma, and spiritual evolution.
Similar Thoughts in Other Cultures
The idea of eradicating jealousy and promoting universal love is not unique to Hinduism. Many spiritual traditions emphasize the need to overcome jealousy and foster goodwill toward others:
Buddhism: Buddhism speaks about the "Three Poisons"—desire, hatred, and ignorance—that bind individuals to the cycle of suffering. Jealousy is a form of hatred or aversion, and Buddhists are taught to practice Mudita, which means sympathetic joy or rejoicing in others' happiness. This teaching is similar to Swami Vivekananda's call to celebrate even an enemy's prosperity.
Christianity: In Christianity, love and humility are core values. The Bible says, "Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Christians are encouraged to emulate Christ’s love for all mankind, which includes letting go of jealousy and embracing compassion for everyone, even one's adversaries.
Islam: In Islam, jealousy is seen as a destructive force that can harm relationships and souls. The Quran instructs believers to be free of envy, as envy can lead to spiritual corruption. Practicing gratitude and seeking God's will for oneself, rather than comparing with others, helps in overcoming jealousy.
Sufism: In Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, the emphasis is on purifying the heart of negative emotions such as envy and malice. The Sufi path encourages the cultivation of inner love for all, as a reflection of divine love.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality
In today’s world, where competition and comparison are rampant, especially through social media and societal pressures, jealousy is more prevalent than ever. People often measure their worth against others' successes, leading to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and resentment. This not only affects personal well-being but also fosters divisions and conflicts in relationships and society at large.
Swami Vivekananda’s teaching on Ahimsa remains profoundly relevant. Practicing non-jealousy and adopting an attitude of joy for others’ successes can greatly improve personal happiness and mental health. It helps reduce stress, fosters genuine relationships, and promotes a more cooperative society. In the professional world, letting go of jealousy can help build better teamwork and create environments where everyone’s growth is celebrated.
Practical Application in Today’s Life
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Regularly practicing mindfulness can help individuals become aware of jealous thoughts as they arise, allowing them to let go of those feelings before they take root.
Gratitude Practice: By focusing on one's own blessings and practicing gratitude daily, individuals can shift their focus from what they lack to what they already have, reducing feelings of envy.
Compassion Meditation: Engaging in meditation practices such as Metta (Loving-kindness) meditation, where one sends thoughts of goodwill to all beings (including those one might envy), can help foster positive feelings toward others.
Self-Compassion: Jealousy often stems from a sense of inadequacy or insecurity. Cultivating self-compassion can help individuals accept their imperfections, thus reducing the tendency to compare themselves with others.
Celebrating Others: Making a conscious effort to celebrate others' achievements, even those of rivals or competitors, can transform jealousy into admiration and foster a more positive, uplifting mindset.
Benefits of Living Without Jealousy
- Inner Peace: By freeing the mind from the constant comparison and negativity that jealousy brings, individuals can enjoy greater peace of mind.
- Stronger Relationships: Letting go of jealousy strengthens personal and professional relationships, as envy often erodes trust and connection.
- Spiritual Growth: Non-jealousy is a step toward greater spiritual development, allowing one to live with a sense of unity with all rather than division.
- Happiness: Cultivating a mindset of contentment and joy for others’ success leads to greater emotional well-being and happiness.
In conclusion, Swami Vivekananda’s teaching that Ahimsa is the absence of jealousy serves as a timeless guide for spiritual and personal growth. The eradication of jealousy leads not only to peace within oneself but also to a more harmonious world. In today's fast-paced, competitive society, practicing non-jealousy can foster deep personal contentment, compassion, and a more connected, peaceful society.