Constant comparison is a common tendency that can cause negative effects on ones mental health and self-esteem. By constantly comparing oneself to others, one can develop a distorted sense of self and perpetuate a cycle of insecurity and suffering. The Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination in Buddhism explain the interdependence of phenomena and the causes of our suffering, offering valuable insights into understanding and addressing the cycle of constant comparison.

The Twelve Nidanas are a sequence of causal links that explain how our ignorance and craving for existence lead to our suffering. The cycle begins with ignorance (avijja), where a person lacks an understanding of the true nature of reality and the causes of their suffering. Due to ignorance, the person forms habitual patterns of constantly comparing themselves to others and measuring their self-worth based on external factors (sankhara). This mental formation conditions the persons consciousness (viññana), making them prone to constant comparison and low self-esteem.

The persons body and mind (psychophysical constituents) manifest in a way that is susceptible to negative self-judgment and self-doubt (nama-rupa). Their sense organs (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and mind) interact with the external world (salayatana), and the person encounters people or situations that trigger feelings of inferiority or inadequacy (phassa). As a result, the person experiences an unpleasant feeling (vedana) and develops a craving for validation, recognition, or acceptance to alleviate their suffering (tanha).

The persons attachment to these cravings and desires intensifies (upadana), perpetuating the cycle of comparison and leading to negative self-esteem and self-talk. This clinging reinforces the habitual patterns and karmic tendencies (bhava), further perpetuating the cycle of insecurity and suffering. Ultimately, the persons low self-esteem and constant comparison manifest in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (jati), causing prolonged, emotional, and mental suffering (jara-marana).

To break the cycle of dependent origination and constant comparison, one could take the following steps

- Learn about the true nature of reality and the causes of suffering, including the negative effects of constant comparison.

- Cultivate positive habits and patterns by setting an intention to avoid constant comparison and instead focus on developing self-love and self-acceptance.

- Practice mindfulness meditation to develop awareness of the conditioned nature of our consciousness and to cultivate an ability to respond skillfully to our thoughts and emotions.

- Practice self-care and self-compassion to develop a healthy sense of self that does not depend on external factors.

- Practice sensory restraint by limiting exposure to situations or media that trigger negative self-comparison.

- Develop detachment and equanimity towards external factors that trigger negative self-comparison.

- Practice acceptance and non-attachment towards both pleasant and unpleasant feelings.

- Practice contentment and gratitude for what one has, rather than seeking external validation or recognition.

- Practice detachment and non-grasping attitudes towards positive experiences and achievements.

- Cultivate positive habits and patterns that support self-love and self-acceptance.

- Practice self-love and self-acceptance in thought, emotion, and behavior.

- Recognize that our current patterns and habits will have lasting effects on our future selves, both in this life and beyond.

By following these steps, one can break the cycle of dependent origination at each point and cultivate greater mindfulness, contentment, and peace.