Mudita: May 10 - 16

Mudita is often translated as sympathetic joy and is another of the divine abodes in the Buddhist tradition. If karuna is the result when a tender heart encounters the suffering of another, mudita is the result when a tender heart encounters the joy of another. Instead of the human tendency toward envy, mudita amplifies joy. It celebrates the good fortune of others.

I've previously written how joy is essential in these weary and difficult days, but practicing mudita might help us discover an even deeper lesson. There is no "us" and "them." In the end, there is only "us." Just as realizing one person's suffering is really all of our suffering, so one person's joy is really all of our joy. We're all in this together. Practice

Let's cultivate joy. Imagine being with a close friend, whose company you enjoy. Remember what it is like to be in their presence. Take a moment to rest in the feeling of friendship.

Envision this person as a carefree child, laughing and running with delight. As a small child, they already held the seeds of joy. Now see them in the present as the sun shines all around them, warming them with its light. The morning dew glistens in the new day. The seeds of joy from their youth take root in the ground as flowers bloom at your feet. You bless them with these words:

Remember the joy of your youth.

May life provide everything needed for joy to grow.

May joy deepen with each passing year.

May it fill your heart with delight especially on difficult days.

And may the wind carry your seeds of joy to countless others.

As you stand with your friend, you notice the field of joy begins to spread. Planted in this place, call to mind another dear person. See them now standing with you. Repeat the blessing for joy.

Next your two friends turn their attention toward you. You too knew joy as a child. They call forth the sun to shine on you, the water to soften you, the earth to nourish you. As you place your hand on your heart, you echo their words of blessing:

Remember the joy of my youth.

May life provide everything needed for joy to grow.

May joy deepen with each passing year.

May it fill my heart with delight especially on difficult days.

And may the wind carry my seeds of joy to countless others.

Invite in more people, one by one, as the circle of joy expands and grows. Envision the entire world covered in a field of joy. Maybe place a bouquet of flowers in the center of your home as a reminder. Be inspired to share seeds of joy wherever you go this day.

Remember the joy of simpler days.

May life provide everything for all beings to grow in joy.

May joy deepen for all with each passing year.

May it fill all hearts with delight especially on difficult days.

And may the winds carry seeds of joy to countless others.