Rejoice in goodness, not harm
Appreciative joy is directed toward wholesome qualities and real benefit. If success is based on deception or harm, the practice is not blind rejoicing but maintaining Right View.
Sympathetic joy
What Is Appreciative Joy? Rejoicing in the Goodness of Others
Pāli: anumodanā · Sanskrit: anumodanā · Vietnamese: Tùy hỷ
Appreciative joy is delight in others' goodness, achievements, or merit without envy, bringing them down, or turning that joy into self-comparison. In Buddhism, appreciative joy helps the mind become less narrow by recognizing that others' good deeds also reduce suffering in the world. Appreciative joy is not flattery, denial of one's own difficulties, or an obligation to rejoice in success arising from unwholesome actions. It is a way to develop sympathetic joy: when we see someone do good, learn something valuable, receive appropriate support, or progress in practice, we recognize it and rejoice with them. This practice weakens envy because the mind no longer sees others' goodness as its own loss. Beginners can start with sincere congratulations and a dedication of merit.
A guide by Inti Foundation · updated
Reduce envy by opening the mind
Envy often says: if that person gains, I lose. Appreciative joy practices a broader view: the presence of one good thing creates more favorable conditions for many people.
Free reading preview
No account needed to try one practice step
Open a short excerpt from this article, practice right here, then create an account if you want to save progress and unlock realms.
Tap to open a short passage and try one practice step before signing up.
Practice today
- 1.When you see someone do good, silently say: well done; may this goodness grow.
- 2.Send specific congratulations without adding comparisons with yourself.
- 3.If envy arises, acknowledge it and return to one small good deed you can do.
Frequently asked questions
Does appreciative joy mean praising every success?
No. Appreciative joy means rejoicing in goodness and real benefit, not in success based on deception or harm.
Can I practice if I still feel envious?
Yes. Recognize envy without hating yourself, then practice a small wish of goodwill and return to your own wholesome actions.
How does appreciative joy differ from dedication of merit?
Appreciative joy is rejoicing in goodness already present; dedication of merit is the aspiration to direct that merit or goodness toward wider benefit.
Sources for deeper reading
What Are the Four Immeasurables?
Read more about loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity, and how sympathetic joy helps practitioners rejoice in goodness.