The tapering ends of envy and inability to conquer explain in detail
The phrase "the tapering ends of envy and inability to conquer"
seems metaphorical and may refer to the diminishing or fading of two
distinct but related emotions or experiences: envy and the inability to
overcome challenges or obstacles. Let’s break it down in more detail:
Envy:
Envy is the feeling of wanting something that someone else has or feeling
resentful because of their success or possessions. It can arise from
comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior or deprived in some way.
In this context, "tapering ends of envy" could symbolize the gradual
reduction or fading of envy over time. As people grow older or gain more
self-awareness, they may come to realize that envy is an unhealthy or
unproductive emotion. This tapering could indicate that the person begins
to let go of these negative feelings, realizing that comparing themselves
to others doesn’t lead to happiness.
Inability to Conquer:
The "inability to conquer" refers to the feeling of being unable to
overcome challenges or obstacles. This could apply to personal struggles,
goals that seem unreachable, or persistent problems that seem
insurmountable. The "ends" of this inability may represent the point at
which a person stops feeling stuck and begins to overcome their challenges.
As people experience personal growth, they often find that obstacles become
less intimidating and that their ability to face and overcome difficulties
improves over time. The tapering here might refer to a shift from
frustration to empowerment, as the person starts finding ways to conquer
their challenges or let go of what they cannot change.
The Metaphor as a Whole:
The phrase as a whole could be describing a process of personal growth and
transformation. It could represent the idea of moving past negative
emotions like envy and frustration and transitioning into a more balanced
and empowered state of mind. The "tapering ends" suggest that these
feelings or limitations lose their power over time, and the person moves
into a phase where they are less affected by them. It's a symbolic image of
maturation or spiritual development where envy fades and the feeling of
being unable to conquer obstacles dissolves, allowing for greater peace,
confidence, and accomplishment.
In essence, the phrase conveys a process of emotional evolution, where a
person moves from a state of jealousy and frustration to one of acceptance,
growth, and the ability to face challenges with resilience.
2 Thiruvalluvar, the ancient Tamil philosopher and poet who
authored the "Tirukkural", provides profound insights on various aspects of
human life, including emotions like envy and the concept of overcoming
challenges. While the Tirukkural doesn't directly use the phrase "the
tapering ends of envy and inability to conquer," it certainly addresses
themes related to both. Let’s explore how Thiruvalluvar’s teachings relate
to these concepts.
1. On Envy:
Thiruvalluvar addresses envy (or jealousy) in his work, particularly in
Kural 601, which states:
"Envy is the greatest curse upon those who live on this earth; it is the
greatest impediment to happiness."
This implies that envy is a deeply destructive emotion, one that hampers
personal growth, peace, and happiness. Thiruvalluvar believes that envy
towards others, or comparing oneself with others in a negative way, only
leads to misery. The act of envying others consumes one’s mind and blocks
the path to achieving inner peace and true success.
Thiruvalluvar advocates cultivating contentment (inner satisfaction) and
generosity to transcend envy. When a person learns to appreciate their own
blessings and abilities, envy fades naturally.
2. On Inability to Conquer (Overcoming Obstacles):
Thiruvalluvar also offers profound advice on overcoming challenges and
persistence. In Kural 411, he says:
"The strength of a man is not in avoiding difficulties, but in overcoming
them."
This suggests that facing and conquering obstacles is part of the human
experience. Rather than feeling defeated by life's challenges, one should
embrace the strength to overcome them. The person who perseveres despite
difficulties is the one who truly succeeds.
In another verse, Kural 425:
"The wise man, with unshaken resolve, will not abandon his efforts even
when confronted with insurmountable odds."
This reflects the importance of determination and resilience. It’s not the
absence of challenges that defines success, but the courage and resolve to
face them head-on.
3. The Tapering Ends of Envy and Inability to Conquer:
If we apply Thiruvalluvar’s teachings to the idea of "tapering ends," we
can interpret it this way:
For envy, as one matures and gains wisdom, the unhealthy feelings of
jealousy and comparison with others gradually diminish. Thiruvalluvar’s
teachings about contentment and generosity encourage this shift, leading to
the "tapering" of envy as one grows spiritually and emotionally.
For the inability to conquer, Thiruvalluvar’s emphasis on perseverance and
overcoming obstacles provides a roadmap to gradually dissolve the feeling
of being unable to conquer. The strength of determination, coupled with
wisdom, helps a person to rise above feelings of helplessness, leading to a
gradual triumph over life's challenges.
In the Tirukkural, Thiruvalluvar stresses the importance of emotional
control, self-discipline, and persistence in overcoming envy and the
feeling of being unable to conquer. These ideas align well with the concept
of “tapering ends,” where negative emotions (like envy) and feelings of
inadequacy gradually fade through self-awareness, wisdom, and perseverance.
Through his teachings, Thiruvalluvar encourages individuals to rise above
these emotions, find peace within, and develop the strength to conquer
life's challenges.
3 The Bhagavad Gita discusses envy, inability to compete, and
the resultant anger and abuses as manifestations of the lower nature
(asuric qualities) that lead to suffering and spiritual downfall. Here are
a few key verses that touch on these topics:
1. Envy and Jealousy
Bhagavad Gita 16.4: “Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and
ignorance—these qualities belong to those of demonic nature, O son of
Prithā.”
Bhagavad Gita 16.21: “There are three gates leading to this hell—lust,
anger, and greed. Every sane person should give these up, for they lead to
the degradation of the soul.”
Envy arises when one cannot tolerate another’s success or virtues, which
leads to anger and destructive tendencies. The Gita advises overcoming envy
through self-realization and devotion.
2. Inability to Compete & Resultant Frustration
Bhagavad Gita 3.37: “It is lust (desire) alone, which is born of contact
with the material mode of passion, and later transformed into wrath
(anger); it is the all-devouring sinful enemy of this world.”
When one feels incapable of competing or achieving, frustration builds up,
leading to anger and abuse. The root cause of this is uncontrolled desires
and attachments.
3. Anger and Its Consequences
Bhagavad Gita 2.62-63: “While contemplating the objects of the senses, a
person develops attachment. From attachment arises desire; from desire
arises anger. From anger arises delusion; from delusion, loss of memory;
from loss of memory, the destruction of intelligence; and from the
destruction of intelligence, one perishes.”
This shows how unchecked emotions like envy and frustration can lead to
self-destruction.
How to Overcome These Negative Qualities?
Develop humility and self-contentment (Bhagavad Gita 12.13-14): "He who is
free from envy, friendly to all, and does not possess a sense of ownership
is dear to Me."
Engage in selfless action (karma yoga) to reduce ego and competition.
Practice devotion (bhakti yoga) to purify the heart from negative emotions.
Cultivate knowledge (jnana yoga) to understand the transient nature of
material success.
The Gita teaches that envy, anger, and frustration are obstacles to
spiritual growth. Instead of competing negatively, one should focus on
self-improvement and devotion to God, realizing that true success is in
spiritual realization, not material gain.
4 what Psychology speaks about such and remedies to cure them if
any?
Psychological Perspective on Envy, Inability to Compete, and Resultant
Anger & Abuses
Psychology identifies envy, frustration due to competition, and anger
leading to abuse as emotional and behavioural responses often stemming from
low self-esteem, cognitive distortions, and unmet psychological needs.
Let’s break these down and look at remedies:
1. Understanding Envy & Its Root Causes
What is Envy? Envy is the painful feeling that arises when we compare
ourselves to others and perceive ourselves as inferior.
It is linked to low self-worth, insecurity, and perfectionism.
Psychological Theories on Envy
Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954):
People naturally compare themselves to others to evaluate their abilities.
Excessive comparison can lead to frustration and envy.
Cognitive Distortions:
"I am a failure because I can’t be like them."
"Life is unfair, and others are luckier than me."
Remedies for Envy
✔ Shift focus to self-improvement – Set personal goals instead of comparing
with others.
✔ Practice gratitude – Acknowledge what you already have.
✔ Limit social media exposure – Reduces constant comparisons.
✔ Challenge distorted thoughts – Ask yourself: “Is my perception realistic?”
✔ Therapy (CBT - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – Helps reframe negative
thoughts.
2. Inability to Compete & Feelings of Helplessness
Why Do Some People Struggle to Compete?
Imposter Syndrome: Feeling unworthy despite achievements.
Fixed Mindset (Dweck, 2006): Belief that abilities are fixed and cannot
improve.
Learned Helplessness (Seligman, 1975): Past failures create a belief that
"I can't succeed no matter what I do."
Psychological Remedies
✔ Adopt a Growth Mindset – Believe in self-improvement through effort.
✔ Break large goals into small steps – Small wins build confidence.
✔ Develop resilience – Learn to handle failures as lessons.
✔ Therapy (ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) – Helps develop mental
flexibility.
3. Anger & Abusive Reactions Due to Frustration
What Causes Anger?
Unmet expectations and a sense of unfairness.
Feeling powerless or threatened.
Accumulated frustration over time.
Psychological Models of Anger
Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis (Dollard, 1939):
When people cannot achieve their goals, frustration turns into aggression.
Emotional Regulation Theory (Gross, 1998):
Difficulty in managing emotions leads to impulsive anger.
Anger Management Techniques
✔ Mindfulness & Deep Breathing – Slows down impulsive reactions.
✔ Cognitive Reframing – Ask: “Will this matter in 5 years?”
✔ Exercise – Physical activity releases built-up tension.
✔ Journaling – Writing about emotions can help understand patterns.
✔ Therapy (DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) – Teaches emotional
regulation.
Final Thoughts: Integrating Psychology & Bhagavad Gita’s Wisdom
Both psychology and the Gita emphasize self-awareness, self-regulation, and
growth.
Spiritual wisdom (e.g., detachment from material comparisons) aligns with
modern CBT techniques.
True healing comes from shifting focus inward—on self-improvement rather
than external validation.
4 Psychology and spiritual wisdom both suggest that true
change must come from within, but there are ways to influence or guide
people toward transformation.
1. Understanding Why People Act This Way
People who are envious, abusive, or excessively competitive often have:
Low self-esteem – They feel inadequate and project their insecurities onto
others.
Unresolved trauma – Past failures or rejection make them bitter.
Narcissistic tendencies – Some seek validation by putting others down.
Cognitive distortions – They see life as a zero-sum game ("If someone
wins, I must lose").
2. Can They Be Cured?
If they have self-awareness and want to change, therapy (CBT, mindfulness,
emotional regulation) can help.
If they refuse to acknowledge their flaws, change is unlikely.
In extreme cases, personality disorders (like narcissism or antisocial
traits) make deep change difficult without long-term therapy.
3. Possible Ways to Influence Their Change
✔ Lead by Example
Show emotional control and detachment—don’t react to their negativity.
If they see you are unaffected by their envy/anger, they may rethink their
behaviour.
✔ Set Boundaries & Consequences
Some people only change when they face real consequences (loss of
relationships, rejection by others).
5 1. Tirukkural Advice on Envy, Anger & Abuses
The Tirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar, provides timeless wisdom on
character and morality.
A. On Envy (Kural 168, 170)
“Envy brings ruin to oneself, just as the palm tree yields fruit only to
perish.”
Meaning: Jealousy is self-destructive—instead of harming others, it weakens
the envious person.
“The wealth of an envious man is like a fruit-bearing tree in the
desert—useless.”
Meaning: Even if an envious person is successful, their negativity makes
them incapable of enjoying it.
B. On Anger (Kural 301, 305, 307)
“The fire of anger burns the one who ignites it more than anyone else.”
Meaning: Anger destroys the person who holds it.
“Responding to anger with anger leads to destruction, while patience leads
to victory.”
Meaning: Self-control is the greatest weapon against abuse.
“Even in moments of extreme distress, the wise never let anger control
them.”
Meaning: Mastery over emotions leads to true power.
C. On Handling Abusive People (Kural 158, 987)
“The wise man speaks only after thinking—fools speak without thought,
causing harm to themselves and others.”
Meaning: A person who abuses others lacks wisdom.
“Ignore the insults of fools, for their words hold no weight.”
Meaning: Do not let the words of the ignorant disturb your peace.
2. Bhagavad Gita’s Advice on Envy, Anger & Abuses
The Bhagavad Gita classifies envy, anger, and abuse as asuric (demonic)
qualities that lead to suffering.
A. On Envy (Gita 16.2-4, 3.37, 12.13-14)
“He who is free from envy, who is friendly and compassionate to all, is
dear to Me.” (12.13-14)
Remedy: Develop compassion instead of jealousy.
“Envy, arrogance, harshness, and pride belong to those of demonic nature.”
(16.2-4)
Advice: Recognize that envy is a weakness that must be conquered through
self-awareness and detachment.
B. On Anger (Gita 2.62-63, 16.21)
“From attachment comes desire, from desire arises anger. From anger comes
delusion, from delusion, loss of memory, and from loss of memory, the
destruction of intelligence.” (2.62-63)
Remedy: Stop attachment to ego and expectations—this eliminates anger.
“There are three gates to hell: Lust, Anger, and Greed.” (16.21)
Advice: Avoid anger like poison—it destroys the soul.
6 1. Bhagavad Gita's Perspective
Gita 2.70:
"Just as the ocean remains undisturbed though rivers enter it, so too the
wise remain unshaken by desires."
Lesson: Praise and blame are like waves; remain steady.
Gita 12.19:
"He who treats honour and dishonour alike is dear to Me."
Lesson: A true yogi remainsunaffected by what others say.
2. Thirukkural’s Perspective
Kural 157:
"If you live by virtue, slander and praise have no effect on you."
Lesson: Focus on righteousness, not opinions.
Kural 140:
"Praise and blame are nothing if one truly understands oneself."
Lesson: Self-awareness makes external judgment irrelevant.
SO, URCHINS CANNOT EVEN PLUCK A LEAF WHILE THEIR ROOTS MAY BE TOTALLY
UPROOTED ONEDAY BY THE DHARMA. K RAJARAM IRS 22325
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