​How can we deal with spiritual jealousy?

Answer Podcast

Transcript

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How do we deal with spiritual jealousy? Others are able to do a service and we are not able to do that service because of some circumstances. Ultimately, we have to see the effect.
Is it inspiring us to move closer to Krishna or creating in us resentment towards Krishna? So, if you see, there are two aspects to this. That sometimes, say, some other devotee is doing a lot of deity worship or book distribution or even preaching in classes, whatever it is. We feel inspired, I also want to do this.
Now, if by seeing that devotee, if we feel, I also want to do this, let me Krishna give me an opportunity to do this. So, if that is increasing our spiritual hankering, that is auspicious. That is auspicious because actually we are longing to serve Krishna and that longing to serve Krishna will dissipate our worldly longings, worldly cravings that are there.
So, that is auspicious. Anything that increases our longing for Krishna, that is auspicious. Because sometimes, when we see other devotees who are just like us in the sense that they are not very extraordinarily talented, they may not be extraordinarily pure, but still they are doing a lot of services which we are not hearing.
That means we understand that this bhakti is not impossible and I can do it. And that way, we feel encouraged. And even if we are not able to do it practically because of some circumstances, Krishna is Bhavagrahi.
Krishna sees our desire and He appreciates that. And also, there is also the concept of Manas Puja. In our mind, we can also do service for Krishna.
And Krishna is pleased with that service also. So, in that sense, it is favorable. When it becomes unfavorable is, if rather than our focus being on Krishna and wanting to serve Krishna, our focus goes on that person.
And why are they getting this credit? Why are they getting so much appreciation? Why not me? I can do better. So, when we see the service of Krishna from a limited perspective, thinking that, you know, they are getting it, I am not getting it, and our focus is not on them, but our focus is on them, not on Krishna, then that can become negative. Then we may feel, I want to pull this person down and somebody else glorifies them.
Not that great, you know. I could also, basically, minimizing them. That is not desirable.
So, Sri Prabhupada would say that, you should encourage competition among devotees. You distribute this many books, you distribute more books and I will come to your place. That is fine.
So, I would say that we cannot wish away emotions. You know, if I am feeling jealous, I am just feeling jealous. What can I do? I can avoid dwelling on it more and more by which it will grow further.
But I can direct my thoughts in a constructive way. So, if I direct my thoughts in a constructive way, they will inspire me. So, Krishna, you know, you have blessed this devotee also.
Rather than seeing that, oh, this devotee is taking credit so much for doing so many services, we can see that Krishna has blessed this devotee. That is why they are able to do services. So, Krishna will bless me also.
I pray to Krishna. And that way if we do, we will move onwards. And Krishna will sooner or later make arrangements for us also to be able to move onwards.
Okay? Thank you. Nice talking with you.