The Remainder

iman November 27th, 2009

Envy is a feeling that sits in the gut that, even in small traces, could bring upon thoughts of hatred and malice.

O SON OF EARTH!

Know, verily, the heart wherein the least remnant of envy yet lingers, shall never attain My everlasting dominion, nor inhale the sweet savors of holiness breathing from My kingdom of sanctity.

Baha’u'llah : The Persian Hidden Words

Looking at a simple example of a teacher and a student.  The role of the teacher is to impart knowledge to the student.  In many cases it may be that the teacher is uncomfortable with allowing the student to surpass them.  Under this scenario progress, materially or spiritually, will be hampered.  The common adage today is “making a better world for our children” but with hints of envy subsequently grooming a culture of competition, this goal becomes more difficult to realise.  Someone mentioned a few weeks ago, “what greater joy for the teacher than to see their student surpass them”.  Progress is iterative and if we are sincere in our desire to “make a better world for our children”, we should allow ourselves to take gladness in the qualities and achievements of those around us and to use this as inspiration to strive higher.  Inspiration trumps competition.

Removing lingering hints of envy is more difficult to conquer. Perhaps a capability to try to develop is to see oneself (and the qualities one strives to possess) in the light of self-worth and, hence, as a tool of God for the benefit of society.  In this case,  not a self-aggrandizing form of  ’self-worth’, but rather one which is founded  upon meekness and humility, in the context of service.  In addition, what is needed to overcome envy is a mentality whose focus transcends the perception that happiness is achieved through the accumulation of material goods and, in particular, that which others may possess.

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5 Responses to “The Remainder”

  1. # peter on 28 Nov 2009 at 5:47 am

    Wow. Learned a lot from this :) Thanks

  2. # drpski1 on 28 Nov 2009 at 7:53 pm

    I totally agree. I feel that if my student turns out to beeter than me that I have done my job.

  3. # Roya on 29 Nov 2009 at 5:27 pm

    hmm…you raised a very good point, i think it would be an interesting study if this idea was raised at all teacher training sessions.

  4. # Susan Gammage on 30 Nov 2009 at 2:39 am

    Two of my favorite quotes which elaborate on this theme are:

    Such is the outcome of envy, the chief reason why men turn aside from the Straight Path. (Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 163)

    At the same time those who show forth envies, jealousies, etc., toward a servant, are depriving themselves of their own stations, and not another of his, for they prove by their own acts that they are not only unworthy of being called to any station waiting them, but also prove that they cannot withstand the very first test – that of rejoicing over the success of their neighbour, at which God rejoices . . . Envy closes the door of Bounty, and jealousy prevents one from ever attaining to the Kingdom of Abhá. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, Vol. 6, No. 6, p. 44).

  5. # iman on 30 Nov 2009 at 4:53 pm

    Thank you for all your comments. I especially like the second quote which Susan shared. It encapsulates this subject perfectly.

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