Buddhist teacher Jackie Bailey explores empathetic joy as antidote to envy

Jackie Bailey, an author and Buddhist meditation teacher, has published an opinion piece in The Guardian examining the Buddhist concept of mudita, or empathetic joy, as a practical method to counteract envy and resentment. Bailey, who also works as a funeral celebrant and pastoral care practitioner, argues that cultivating joy for others’ good fortune is linked to increased life satisfaction, improved relationships, and altruistic behaviour.

The article outlines how feeling joy for another person’s good fortune is underpinned by an understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings. Bailey notes that comparing oneself with others can limit this capacity, citing the concept of compersion in polyamorous relationships as a parallel. Research indicates that the capacity for compersion can increase a person’s own satisfaction with their relationships.

According to scientists cited in the piece, the capacity for empathetic joy correlates with increased life satisfaction and happiness, as well as the increased likelihood of altruistic acts and better personal relationships. Neuroimaging studies suggest that empathetic joy involves more of the frontal lobe than regular empathy, engaging areas of the brain associated with planning and decision-making. This suggests that feeling happy for someone involves a choice rather than a visceral response to pain.

Buddhist teachers explain that each of the four immeasurables has both a near and far enemy. Resentment and jealousy are described as far enemies of empathetic joy. Near enemies are more insidious and can include brittle exuberance, over-identification with the person’s good fortune, and anxiety-driven comparison. These mental acts can dampen happiness for others and their good luck.

Cultivating this joyous attitude requires practice. Buddhist teacher Vanessa Zuisei Goddard recommends starting with self-compassion, suggesting that wishing oneself happiness may gradually make one more positively disposed to the happiness of others. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg suggests starting with compassion for someone’s suffering to soften one’s heart. Scientists also suggest observing activities like football without taking sides to appreciate skills on both sides, or simply looking someone in the eye when they share good news.

Bailey, whose nonfiction book The Outrageous Good Fortune of Living is scheduled for release by HarperCollins in 2026, concludes that becoming comfortable receiving kindness and feeling worthy of it may help individuals believe that others are worthy as well.