Sym 'Pathetic' Joy

This morning, I took the lift down and walked towards my Partner feeling invigorated. Probably due to results of reading on mindfulness breathing followed up by a series of meditation done yday, I was glad that I was mindful on my breaths. Started the engine and turned on my sound system - playing Prajanparamitta, and there I drove off to work peacefully.

Everything went on well and I was already approaching the last traffic junction before reaching my workplace. As I was making a sharp left turn at the junction, a bicycle suddenly appeared from the left corner of my eye trying to cross the road. It was too abrupt for me to apply on my brakes but fortunately he did. From the backview mirror, I could see him cursing and swearing at me. I wouldnt say who was at fault, for its both green light for me and green man for him.

But I always thot cyclists should not behave and regard themselves like normal pedestrains when crossing the traffic light junctions. They are too fast moving and shldnt expect car drivers to halt in time for them, if they were to suddenly dash out onto the road. This incident kinda disturbed my peacefulness significantly. My morning became very heavy and unhappy. I knew I wudnt put this matter at heart for long, as it merely served as the key in opening up the door of disatisfaction and unpleasantness in me. Reason: I seriously lack practice.

Last evening, I also realised the importance of having mudita - sympathetic joy. I found that even within our circle of buddhist/spiritual friends, jealousy is still prevalent. Sometimes, when we see our friends in a better state or having better conditions & achievements than ourselves, we will tend to do/say things to bring them down, just to make ourselves feel better? I know some of you are not like that, but I am guilty of it sometimes, and I am very sure some of my friends around me ought to feel guilty of it too.

"When our friends found a better job than us, with higher pay and better job prospect, we shouldnt say things to shoot them or their jobs down out of our own jealousy."

"When we see our friends making efforts to acheive something which have not done so before, we shld applause for their courage and determination, and not discourage them from proceeding or gloat over whatever losses/sacrifices they may/have incurred."

Indeed, the mind can be easily poisoned. May I practice well, and may my spiritual friends constantly remind of the Dharma, and guide me along the way.