Overcoming Chronic Jealousy and Rivalry Tendencies
In a world where competition and comparison are often celebrated, the Baha'i Faith offers a unique perspective that emphasises the importance of internal well-being over external competition.
According to Baha'i teachings, competition, especially when linked with jealousy, can be detrimental to internal well-being. Rooted in selfishness and comparison, it can disrupt peace and harmony. However, these feelings are seen as a challenge that individuals can overcome through faith and trust in God’s justice and mercy.
Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Faith, assures that no soul is burdened beyond its capacity, and challenges, including those posed by competitive feelings, can lead to spiritual growth and greater personal strength. Abdu’l-Baha, a central figure in the Baha'i Faith, explained that difficulties and trials purify and perfect a person, much like gold is purified by fire or a tree grows stronger when pruned.
Rather than fostering rivalry, the Baha'i teachings encourage transforming competition into a constructive force for individual growth and social unity. This approach promotes respect and loving cooperation among people to maintain internal well-being.
The Baha'i teachings also highlight the dangers of jealousy and anger, which can physically harm the body. For instance, the writings suggest that "Jealousy consumeth the body and anger doth burn the liver: avoid these two as you would a lion."
Meditation is a helpful tool in deactivating jealousy and hitting an emotional reset. Baha'u'llah advised against considering the size of one's abilities, encouraging a focus on personal growth rather than comparison with others.
Recognising self-comparison, especially via social media, is the first step to breaking down the role of competition in an individual's life. This realisation was a pivotal moment for many, including those who grew up in a culture that encourages ego development and self-importance, such as America, or passive-aggressive city cultures that avoid conflict and confrontation.
In summary, the Baha'i teachings offer a path to overcoming competitive and jealous feelings, promoting unity, cooperation, and independent thought that lead to deeper understanding and inner peace. This approach aligns with the broader Baha'i emphasis on equality, unity, and humanitarian values, fostering a harmonious global community.
| Aspect | Baha'i Teaching Impact on Internal Well-being | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Competition & jealousy| Rooted in selfish desire, can disrupt peace and harmony | | Spiritual test | Seen as a challenge that can strengthen and purify the soul | | Response encouraged | Faith, trust in God's justice, unity, cooperation, and growth | | Outcome | Deeper understanding, inner peace, spiritual perfection |
- Embracing the Baha'i teachings, an individual can transform competition into a constructive force, fostering personal growth while promoting respect and loving cooperation, thereby ensuring their internal well-being.
- By focusing on education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and relationships as emphasized in the Baha'i Faith, one can break free from the destructive influences of jealousy and comparison, leading to greater harmony and lifestyle balance.
