Appreciative Joy

followthepath

Appreciative joy is one of the sublime states of an enlightened being. But how does one make themselves rejoice in the happiness of others if they feel as though the happy person hurt another being? For example, if Person A steals from Person B and is now happy about having acquired a valuable item how can Person C (a Buddhist) feel appreciative joy for Person A? Thanks everyone.

federica

Pardon me, but that's a ridiculous example.
You cannot rejoice at the actions of another when they break the precepts - namely, the very first one - Do No Harm.
Stealing, is harming as much as a physical attack might be.
Such Appreciative Joy is completely misplaced here....

followthepath

Thanks!

Dakini

Who said you're supposed to experience joy at another's misconduct, and their happiness resulting from their misconduct? This is a lost person deserving of compassion. You must be new to this Buddhism stuff, eh, OP?

Buddhadragon

Yes, @followthepath, your example has nothing to do with appreciative joy.

Appreciative Joy (mudita) has to do with rejoicing in other people's happiness. Stop.

It has nothing to do with passing judgment on how they attained that happiness nor condoning someone's means of attaining happiness, nor smirking approvingly things which can't be approved of.

Here's some interesting links on what the Buddhist concept of appreciative joy actually is:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/bs-s15.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudita

http://www.wildmind.org/blogs/on-practice/cultivating-appreciative-joy

upekka

when we see another's success (happiness) we can check whether there is any negative qualities (envy, grudge etc.) in our mind

if not, our happiness for another's success is genuine

that is appreciative joy

robot

@Dakini said:
You must be new to this Buddhism stuff, eh, OP?

Was it that the question was posted under Buddhism for Beginners that gave it away?

followthepath

DhammaDragon, your answer was very helpful to me. Thank you. And of course, I'm grateful to everyone who responded.