Talk:The Hindu Values of Sportsmanship:Avoid Jealousies
By Vishal Agarwal and The Hindu Society of Minnesota
Every match or sport involves a winner and a loser. But irrespective of the outcome, we must celebrate the success of others (or our own) and not feel angry or jealous if we lose. In fact, Śāstras teach us that a competitor does not truly win if he or she is jealous of the competition. The following is a beautiful story from the śāstra Skanda Purāṇa:
'Story: The Jealousy of Ṛṣi Nārada Makes Him an Inferior Musician'
Gandharva Tumburu and Ṛṣi Nārada were both great devotees of Viṣṇu. Once, they both went to Vaikuṇṭha where Tumburu sang a melodious hymn in praise of Kṛṣṇa. Pleased with his song, Kṛṣṇa presented him with many divine jewels and clothes.
Nārada became jealous of Tumburu. He decided to please Bhagavān Śiva to learn music from Him and become the best musician. Śiva was pleased, but Kṛṣṇa still did not feel impressed enough with his music to give jewels and clothes to Nārada as gifts.
Nārada then practiced music for several years in the hope that he would best Tumburu. But even that was not sufficient. Finally, Nārada decided to give up his jealousy and hatred towards Tumburu. Therefore, he approached Tumburu and requested him to teach music. Tumburu agreed and taught Nārada all that he knew.
Thereafter, Nārada went to Dvārakā and sang a song for Kṛṣṇa who said, “Now your music is indeed wonderful, because it is not mixed with jealousy.” Saying this, Kṛṣṇa then gave some divine gifts to Nārada in appreciation.