Muditā [empathetic joy] is an attitude you extend not only to the results of skillful actions — which is what the happiness is — but also to the skillful actions themselves.

"Muditā [empathetic joy] is an attitude you extend not only to the results of skillful actions — which is what the happiness is — but also to the skillful actions themselves. When you see someone else doing something meritorious, and maybe you’re not able to do it yet, if someone’s further along in their meditation or they’re able to be more generous, whatever, you learn not to resent that. You appreciate it. And that appreciation in itself becomes part of your own merit."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Empathetic Joy"

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