Overcoming Envy and Competitiveness: A New Approach
In a world where competition often dominates, one individual has chosen to reorient their energy towards internal development goals, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Baha'i Faith.
The Baha'i Faith encourages cooperation and spiritual unity instead of rivalry. This perspective, rooted in the principles of friendliness, moderation, respect, loving-kindness, and tender regard towards all people, fosters an inner state of peace and harmony [1]. By freeing oneself from negative traits such as envy or harsh rivalry, individuals are encouraged to uplift each other in a spirit of fellowship and mutual support.
From a personal growth standpoint, Baha'is are encouraged to investigate reality independently and develop qualities like fairness, forgiveness, and compassion [1][3]. This spiritual outlook promotes internal balance and the cultivation of virtues important for mental and emotional wellbeing. Competition is reframed from being about defeating others to striving for excellence in service and character development.
Moreover, Baha’is reject the notion that religions—or by extension people—must be in competition against each other. They see all faiths as part of a single divine purpose, promoting unity rather than division, which fosters collective growth and peace [5]. This wider perspective reduces internal conflict born from comparison or rivalry, supporting sustained personal and communal wellbeing.
The individual in question has identified comparison as a trigger for competitive thinking, especially via social media. To prevent self-comparison and harmful cycles, they have decided to be cautious about social media use. They have also started to analyse and contextualise what creates jealousy within them to prevent cycles of jealousy. The Baha'i writings suggest that anger and jealousy can negatively impact physical health, specifically the liver [6]. The individual has found ways to deactivate jealousy, including incorporating meditation into their day and finding opportunities to support others or focus on building community.
The individual's journey towards a more balanced approach to competition began in childhood. They lived in a passive-aggressive Midwestern city where avoiding conflict was cultural. They were the eldest sister in the house and spent little time competing with siblings. The focus on self that competition requires can lead to jealousy, which can inhibit the ability to give to others for service. The individual realised in adulthood that America's love for competition influenced their life.
Abdu'l-Baha, the son of Baha'u'llah, described that spending time with jealous people can excommunicate one from the divine company of the worthy ones and hinder spiritual growth [7]. The individual has found that getting out of their head and focusing on building community can help them detach from competitive or jealous feelings. They have also found that focusing on personal development can make striving for excellence feel good rather than causing insecurity.
In the end, the Baha'i Faith's perspective on competition offers a refreshing alternative to the often destructive nature of competition. By embracing this ethos, individuals can cultivate a more balanced, harmonious, and spiritually fulfilling life.
References:
[1] Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 323. [2] Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 273. [3] Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 134. [4] Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 129. [5] Shoghi Effendi, The World Order of Baha'u'llah, p. 173. [6] Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p. 136. [7] Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 172.
Embracing the Baha'i Faith's teachings, this individual has shifted their focus from external competition to internal personal growth, fostering qualities such as fairness, forgiveness, and mindfulness. To maintain this balanced lifestyle, they've limited their social media use, mitigated self-comparison, and practiced meditation regularly. Similarly, they've identified and addressed the root causes of feelings like jealousy and envy, essential components of fashion-and-beauty, education-and-self-development, and overall personal-growth. This new approach to competition, driven by the principles of unity and mutual support, aligns with the Baha'i Faith's vision for promoting collective peace and harmony.
