Two Types of Joy: Rejoicing and Sympathetic Joy
In Buddhism, joy (happiness) is a positive mental state, but there are two distinct types:
- Rejoicing (Hoan Hỷ): The joy that arises when one does good deeds.
- Sympathetic joy (Tùy Hỷ): The joy felt when seeing others do good, even if one is not directly involved.
These two states of joy are not the same—one comes from personal action, while the other arises from appreciating the good deeds of others.
Rejoicing – The Joy of Doing Good Deeds
Rejoicing is the state of happiness and delight when one performs wholesome actions willingly, without coercion.
For example:
- Every week, lay Buddhists go to the temple to volunteer.
- Regardless of the weather or the absence of compensation, they serve joyfully.
- Why? Because they know that their efforts benefit others, so they act with rejoicing.
Thus, in rejoicing, there is willingness, an understanding of the benefit of one’s actions, and a cultivation of wholesome mind and letting go (renouncing attachment and expectations of reward).
Sympathetic Joy – The Joy of Others Doing Good
If rejoicing is about one’s own good deeds, then sympathetic joy is the happiness felt when witnessing others performing good actions.
For example:
- Someone donates to build a temple, engages in charity, or helps others.
- Although you are not directly involved, instead of feeling envious or critical, you share in their joy.
The word “sympathetic” means to resonate with or follow along, and “joy” refers to happiness. Thus, sympathetic joy is the happiness derived from the good deeds of others.
Conversely, without sympathetic joy, one may fall into jealousy, envy, or criticism. Instead of praising someone’s good work, one may downplay or compare, thus generating negative karma.
Rejoicing and Sympathetic Joy – Both Are Paths of Practice
In Buddhist scriptures, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva emphasized the importance of sympathetic joy. Among the Ten Great Vows, He taught:
- First, to pay homage to all Buddhas.
- Second, to praise the Thus Come One.
- Third, to make extensive offerings.
- Fourth, to repent and purify karma.
- Fifth, to rejoice in others’ merit.
Thus, sympathetic joy is one of the essential practices, as it helps one overcome jealousy and selfishness, cultivating an open heart that rejoices in the virtues of others.
When a person does good, they experience rejoicing, which helps them overcome greed.
When a person shares joy in others’ good deeds, they overcome envy.
Both are forms of spiritual cultivation in their own right.
Applying Rejoicing and Sympathetic Joy in Daily Life
One does not have to wait for major Buddhist activities to practice sympathetic joy. In everyday life, it can be cultivated by:
- Rejoicing in one’s own acts of kindness without seeking rewards.
- Sympathetic joy when witnessing others’ good actions, even if not personally involved.
For example:
- When someone donates to charity, instead of doubting or criticizing, rejoice that they are helping others.
- When someone succeeds in a good endeavor, instead of feeling jealous, congratulate and praise them.
- When someone does good but imperfectly, instead of pointing out flaws, encourage and support them.
With sympathetic joy, life becomes lighter and more joyful, free from envy and negativity.
Final Thought
Rejoicing and sympathetic joy are two essential states of joy in Buddhist practice:
- Rejoicing is the joy of doing good oneself.
- Sympathetic joy is the joy of witnessing others do good and celebrating with them.
One who rejoices learns to let go of attachment, while one who practices sympathetic joy learns to let go of envy. Both paths lead to spiritual progress, making life more peaceful and fulfilling.
In Buddhism, the brightest light is not material illumination but the light of a joyful and rejoicing heart. When people rejoice in their own good deeds and feel joy for others’ virtues, the world becomes filled with happiness and harmony.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hòa
The Original Dharma Talk
Rejoicing and Sympathetic Joy in Buddhism Venerable Thich Phap Hoa (audio translated)
Below is his original lesson:
Niềm vui khi mình làm điều thiện, và, niềm vui khi mình thấy người khác làm điều thiện
