Mudita

Mudita (Sanskrit: मुदिता; Pali: muditā) is one of the four Brahmaviharas (divine abidings) in Buddhist teachings. It is often defined as sympathetic joy, altruistic joy, or unselfish joy. More specifically, mudita is the pleasure that comes from rejoicing in the good fortune of others.

It differs from happiness in that it specifically relates to the happiness of others rather than one's own. It is the opposite of envy and jealousy, which arise from seeing the success and happiness of others. Mudita cultivates the ability to find joy in the positive experiences of those around us, even if we ourselves are not experiencing similar success.

The practice of cultivating mudita involves deliberately focusing on the positive qualities and good fortune of others, and mentally rejoicing in their happiness. This can be applied to both people we know and those we don't. It's a powerful tool for overcoming feelings of resentment, comparison, and ill will, and it promotes a more compassionate and connected worldview.

Mudita is considered an important aspect of spiritual development in Buddhism and is seen as a way to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity. Its cultivation leads to greater well-being for both the practitioner and those around them.