The Promotion of Sympathetic Joy (Muditā) in Buddhist Psychology of PhD Students at International Studies College (IBSC), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU)

Abstract

This study explores the promotion of sympathetic joy (muditā) in Buddhist psychology, focusing on PhD students in the Buddhist Studies program at the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU). The research objectives are threefold: (1) to analyze muditā meditation in Theravāda Buddhism and modern psychology as effective methods for its cultivation; (2) to investigate the practice of muditā among PhD Buddhist Studies students at IBSC, MCU; and (3) to propose a structured framework for fostering muditā within Buddhist psychology. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates textual analysis of Theravāda scriptures (e.g., Visuddhimagga, Dīgha Nikāya) and contemporary psychological literature, alongside semi-structured interviews with 15 PhD students and 9 meditation masters.

The findings indicate that the cultivation of muditā unfolds through four progressive levels. The first stage emphasizes sammā saṅkappa (right intention) to establish benevolence as a foundational mindset. The second stage cultivates 19 sobhana cetasikas (wholesome mental factors), such as mindfulness (sati), equanimity (upekkhā), and mental pliancy (kāya-passaddhi), aligning with the Sun and Moon Theory’s premise that positive states displace negative emotions like envy (issā). The third stage, termed “Maturement,” integrates ethical discipline (sīla) through right speech, action, and livelihood, ensuring moral stability as a prerequisite for sustained practice. The final stage enables practitioners to embody impartial muditā, rejoicing in others’ successes without bias, even toward adversaries. Findings reveal that successful muditā practice correlates with self-reported reductions in jealousy and enhanced emotional resilience, validated through participants’ reflective journals. Longitudinal benefits include advanced meditative absorption (jhāna), potential rebirth in the Brahmā realm, and progression toward the anāgāmi (non-returner) stage of enlightenment. This framework bridges classical Buddhist ethics with modern psychological paradigms, offering a structured pathway to nurture muditā as both a spiritual virtue and a tool for mental well-being in academic contexts. This research contributes significantly to the understanding and promotion of muditā, a valuable virtue for enhancing mental well-being and social relationships.