"Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind"

The quote by Buddha, "Do not overrate what you have received, nor envy others. He who envies others does not obtain peace of mind," encapsulates a profound teaching on satisfaction and the nature of desire. At the core of this saying is the concept of balance and self-awareness. Buddha advises against the tendency to overvalue our ownerships or accomplishments, which can cause a distorted perception of self-regard and satisfaction. When we end up being extremely connected to the things we have actually received, we run the risk of falling into the trap of materialism, where our joy ends up being contingent upon our ownerships and successes instead of an intrinsic sense of contentment.

At the same time, Buddha cautions versus envying others. Envy is a belief that arises when we compare ourselves unfavorably to others and desire what they have. This contrast breeds dissatisfaction with our own situations and can perpetuate a cycle of endless craving and discontent. Envy clouds our judgment, diminishes our ability to appreciate what we have, and promotes unfavorable feelings such as resentment and bitterness.

The quote suggests that comfort is unattainable when one is envious. Envy disrupts our mental harmony and avoids us from attaining a state of inner peace. A mind troubled by envy is a mind in chaos, constantly agitated by the disparity between what one has and what one desires. This internal conflict can cause a life filled with anxiety, restlessness, and distress.

Buddha's knowledge encourages us to cultivate appreciation and contentment. By appreciating what we have without exaggerating its value, and by refraining from envy, we can cultivate a sense of tranquility and fulfillment. This mindset permits us to live peacefully, devoid of the consistent pressures of external recognition and accumulation. In essence, the teaching emphasizes the importance of supporting an inner sense of efficiency, which ultimately results in a more tranquil and rewarding life.