How Not To Be Jealous Of God

“O Lakshmana, do you rule this earth with Me. You are like My second self, so this glorious opportunity has been presented to you as well. O Saumitra, do you enjoy all the pleasures you desire and the fruits of the regal life. My life and this kingdom I covet for your sake alone.” (Lord Rama speaking to Lakshmana, Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, 4.43-44)

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लक्ष्मणेमां मया सार्धं प्रशाधि त्वं वसुन्धराम्।
द्वितीयं मेऽन्तरात्मानं त्वामियं श्रीरुपस्थिता।।
सौमित्रे भुङ्क्ष्व भोगांत्स्वमिष्टान्राज्यफलानि च।
जीवितं च हि राज्यं च त्वदर्थमभिकामये।।

lakṣmaṇemāṃ mayā sārdhaṃ praśādhi tvaṃ vasundharām।
dvitīyaṃ me’ntarātmānaṃ tvāmiyaṃ śrīrupasthitā।।
saumitre bhuṅkṣva bhogāṃtsvamiṣṭānrājyaphalāni ca।
jīvitaṃ ca hi rājyaṃ ca tvadarthamabhikāmaye।।

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada gives two apparently conflicting pieces of information regarding our history. Not relating to how and when the nation was founded. Not limited to the time spent in this particular birth. Rather, trace out the origin of the jiva, who is the conditioned spirit soul.

The soul spins on something like a wheel of suffering, samsara-chakra. The timeline extends to the highest proportion. This means that the suffering is beyond the present birth. There can be different species that we inhabit. Perhaps we were once a tree, a dog, an elephant, or an ant.

The swami says that to trace out the exact history of one’s travels is not a valuable use of time. We should know that since we are alive today, there was some moment in the past where we turned away from the Divine. This is the initial cause; the catalyst. The origin of the jiva’s experience with material nature is enviousness of God.

The question may be raised about the difficulty with shedding envy. If I hear of the accomplishments of my friend’s child, I can’t help but envy to a degree. I instantly make comparisons with my own child. Perhaps I have not done as good a job in parenting. Maybe the spouse and I are falling behind everyone else.

If I am envious of friends and family, I will surely be so towards the person who has everything. He is known as Bhagavan since He possesses every opulence simultaneously and to the highest degree. In other words, He would be the best parent in the world. He would make more money than me in a salary competition. His wife is the most beautiful woman in the world, as seen with the daughter of King Janaka, Sita Devi.

Fortunately, from Bhagavan’s own words we get advice on how to purify. In His incarnation of Shri Rama, He one time heard news of an impending transfer of power. The father, King Dasharatha, was handing control over the kingdom of Ayodhya to Rama, his eldest son.

Rama immediately went to one of His younger brothers with the news. Rama told Lakshmana that the honor was to be shared. The eldest brother only wanted the kingdom if Lakshmana could enjoy it, as well. In other words, His happiness should mean happiness for everyone closely associated with Him.

I can take pleasure from the brotherly affection in the kingdom of Ayodhya. I may not be doing so well in life, but I am so proud that Shri Rama has the most devoted wife in Sita Devi. I am without good and loyal friends, but Rama has Hanuman always standing by.

They are my friends, too. They are my well-wishers, and I will never forget the happiness and joy they bring to me. I will stay devoted to them and seek only their pleasure for the rest of my life, and subsequent births, if I am so fortunate.

In Closing:

Living this life only for You,
Since your family my friends too.

And given to me so much,
Forever indebted as such.

Rama with Lakshmana sharing,
Since brother loving and caring.

And Hanuman always at the ready,
Image on reliance steady.