How can Gurbani help us respond to jealousy?

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“Jealousy and envy bring terrible pain, and one is cursed throughout the three worlds. ||1||” (Guru Amardas, Ang 1091) “The Gurmukh eliminates hate and envy.” (Guru Nanak, Ang 942) “I have totally forgotten my jealousy of others,” (Guru Arjan, Ang 1299) “No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone. ||1||” (Guru Arjan, Ang 1299) “Kabeer, I am the worst of all. Everyone else is good.” (Bhagat Kabir, Ang 1364) Gurbani approaches jealousy by exposing its pain and reshaping how we see other people. Guru Amardas in Raag Maaroo on Ang 1091 says jealousy and envy bring terrible suffering, inviting honest recognition that jealousy harms the person who carries it. Guru Nanak in Raag Raamkalee on Ang 942 describes the Gurmukh as one who lets go of hostility and envy, presenting release from jealousy as part of becoming oriented toward the Guru. Guru Arjan in Raag Kaanraa on Ang 1299 joins two closely related insights: jealousy of others is forgotten, and no one is regarded as an enemy or stranger. This reframes another person's good fortune as no threat to oneself and makes harmonious relations possible. Bhagat Kabir on Ang 1364 adds the counter-practice of humility: regarding others as good while examining one's own shortcomings interrupts the pride and comparison that can feed jealousy. Together, these lines suggest noticing jealousy as a source of suffering, loosening rivalry and hostility, cultivating humility, and learning to relate to others without treating them as competitors or enemies.

How can Gurbani help us respond to jealousy?

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