Mudita and samsara

[Ed Rock]

Dear Ajahn Brahmali.

When someone expresses their happiness and success based upon the shifting sands of samsara, is it mudita or disingenuous to say “Very Good!”

Metta, anagarika eddie

[Ajahn Brahmali]

Dear Eddie,

It's mudita! Of course, you know that these happinesses are transient and that will sometimes put a damper on your ability to rejoice. The full experience of mudita is usually related to someone's spiritual success. Nevertheless, we all want happiness, of whatever variety, so why not rejoice when it happens. If we set the bar too high we will never develop these feelings at all.

With metta.

[Ed Rock]

Dear Ajahn Brahmali,

Thank you so much. Just the reply I needed!

Metta, anagarika eddie