The Causes of the Arising of Afflictions

When the mind of jealousy arises, turn the light inward and reflect back upon oneself, analyzing and observing why one is jealous. When the mind of arrogance arises, turn the light inward and reflect back upon oneself: why has such an arrogant mind arisen? After finding the cause, one must use the principles one has learned to persuade and counsel oneself, subduing the minds of jealousy and arrogance. Before attaining realization of the fruits and the first dhyāna, one can only subdue these afflictions such as jealousy and arrogance; one cannot eliminate them. Ordinary people become jealous because others have stolen their limelight—their "self" has not stood out, and they have not obtained the benefits they hoped for. Only when there is a "self" and "others" in the mind can there be mutual comparison, not wishing anyone to be stronger than oneself or better than oneself.

Because of jealousy, any group will have endless conflicts and disputes, mutual exclusion and suppression, mutual struggle for power and resources—strife is inevitable. In a community of the Three Jewels, if this jealous mind is not subdued, it is easy to cause a split in the Saṅgha; and if it leads to a schism in the Saṅgha, that is a sin warranting rebirth in the Avīci hell.