“Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind.”
“Do not overrate what you have received”: The Buddha advises against attaching excessive importance or value to the things we possess or have received. This can include material possessions, social status, achievements, or any form of external validation. Overrating what we have can lead to a sense of entitlement, arrogance, or a false sense of security. It can also create a constant striving for more, which can perpetuate dissatisfaction and prevent us from finding contentment in the present moment.
“Nor envy others”: The Buddha warns against feeling envy towards others. Envy arises when we desire what someone else possesses, whether it be their possessions, qualities, achievements, or circumstances. Envy often stems from a sense of inadequacy or a feeling of lacking something that others seem to have. However, the Buddha advises against indulging in envy because it only breeds discontentment and a restless mind.
“He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind”: The Buddha emphasizes that envy is detrimental to our own well-being and inner peace. When we envy others, we are caught up in comparing ourselves to them and feeling discontent with our own situation. This state of mind prevents us from finding peace and contentment within ourselves. Envy perpetuates a cycle of craving and attachment, which keeps us trapped in a state of dissatisfaction and prevents us from experiencing genuine happiness.
In essence, the Buddha’s teaching encourages us to cultivate contentment, gratitude, and inner peace. By not overrating what we possess and not harboring envy towards others, we can free ourselves from the constant pursuit of external validation and comparison. Instead, we can focus on our own personal growth, develop a genuine sense of self-worth, and find peace of mind in the present moment. The path to peace and contentment lies in cultivating an attitude of non-attachment and embracing the present as it is, without constantly longing for what others have or overrating our own possessions and achievements.