The Ethics of Joy

In contrast to suffering, joy is one of the human emotions we look for in our daily lives. A compliment from a friend, the smile of a family member, a personal experience that makes us feel more alive and happy about being here. The world is full of joys to be had, but we must be mindful, and not partake of those which come at another's expense.

I recall the second vow of the Panca Sila, "not to take what is not given." As I've pondered this, it occurs to me that there may be several times we take joy at the cost of someone else's suffering, no matter how mild. I tend not to tell jokes as often, when I realize that their humor comes from either making a fool of the listener, or of the subject. I have found a disdain for schadenfreude, having experienced its' exercise in a group so badly it made me very uncomfortable, and having been the subject of it myself. I even feel unsatisfied when I hear of terrible events around the world, and react with sudden relief that "at least it's not me or my family..." but that joy comes only from the contrast of my situation with theirs, and they are suffering.

Compassionate ethics require we consider the source of our joy.

If we are truly compassionate, then the suffering of others becomes our own suffering. The cheap shots good for a momentary laugh taste bitter when we see them through the victim's eyes. Even the nice dinner out with one's family is balanced by the over-worked and often under-paid waitstaff doing their job so that we may pretend for a moment that life is without care.

As I find my joys in life, I am more focused on owning the cause of it, and recognizing the karma in attendance. "There is no free lunch" is an apt metaphor, as all things come with a price. Ultimately our happiness is always balanced by our sorrows, for that is the way of things all over the world and all throughout time. As we walk this earth with a gentle touch and compassionate spirit, let us not abuse others in our own pursuit of selfish and transitory pleasure, but find joy in our own work, in our own accomplishments, and in our own inner peace. Carrying that lamp of joy for yourself will lighten the burden of others around you, and the happiness one makes without taking away from others' day tastes so much sweeter.