About Jealousy ― Ryuho Okawa's Guidance of the Heart 164 ―

July 20, 2018（Last Update: June 13, 2026）

This month's "Guidance of the Heart" discusses methods to overcome the suffering of jealousy and the joy of personal growth. I spoke with Takayuki Niwa, the local head of Happy Science, about key points for overcoming jealousy and feelings of inferiority that everyone experiences.

Ryuho Okawa's original work "Guidance of the Heart" is serialized in the Happy Science pamphlet Monthly "Happy Science". Posters are also displayed at branches nationwide, and it is widely known as the monthly face of Happy Science.

When Jealousy Turns into Respect

When I hear the word "jealousy," I recall an event from when I was twenty. At that time, I wanted to learn about business and worked in the fresh fish department of a supermarket. There, I had a very strict boss.

He was young and capable, teaching me how to handle fish and serve customers, but his strictness made me feel frustrated.

(That's not how it works!)

Within that rebellious feeling, there was also jealousy towards my capable boss.

However, after spending a long time with my boss, I suddenly realized, (His strictness is a seriousness towards work). When my perspective changed like that, I became able to learn from my boss sincerely. As a result, I developed my work skills, and the feelings of disgust and jealousy I had towards my boss transformed into trust and gratitude. This became a significant lesson for me.

Aiming for Personal Growth

More than a decade later, I encountered Ryuho Okawa's teachings and learned that "the object of jealousy is my ideal self. By affirming the other person and making an effort, I can overcome jealousy." Reflecting on my own experiences, I believe that to be able to think, "I will learn from the person I am jealous of," one must let go of their small pride, which itself becomes a form of spiritual training.

Additionally, in Happy Science, we learn that "the purpose of life is soul training" and that "after death, each person returns to the spirit world that matches their state of mind." Knowing this also empowers us to resolve the troubles of jealousy.

In other words, what is truly important in life is not whether we win or lose against others, but whether we can overcome our current selves. There is no need to suffer from comparisons with others; instead, we should set our own goals and take steps towards them. Isn't that where the meaning and enjoyment of life lie?

Many people struggle with jealousy and feelings of inferiority. To be a source of support for such individuals, I want to widely convey the teachings of Happy Science.

This content is a reprint from Monthly "Happy Science" No. 378, with edits made.
The very popular "Guidance of the Heart" is featured in the Monthly "Happy Science," which is also available for subscription, so please take advantage of it!

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