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-61118 630] - Chapter Six
[253 Weeping and lamenting with abundant compassion, remembering and praising the qualities, and desiring the welfare of oneself and others. Is it not enough to simply accept that sorrow and the like are a particular type of suffering? It is true, but by explaining some specific differences, the nature of suffering is revealed. Just as when we say "cow," we do not know the specific differences, so we use the terms "horned," "headless," "black," and "white" to explain them, similarly, when we say "suffering," we do not know the countless differences in the world that arise from the flow of suffering. Therefore, by pointing out some specific differences, we understand those specific differences. These sorrows and the like are located within oneself, in others, or in both, due to the influence of anger and the like. All of these should be known as the causes of the flow of the non-virtuous and the knowable. Here it is asked: If sorrow and the like, located within oneself, in others, or in both, are the causes of the flow of the non-virtuous and the knowable, why do those who follow the path of the Arhat believe in and teach others about hair-plucking, fasting, and sun-bathing, which are causes of suffering? This is not a fault, because it is specifically stated that the sorrows and the like that arise from the influence of anger and the like within oneself are the causes of the flow of the non-virtuous and the knowable. Just as a physician, who is extremely compassionate, skillful, and restrained, does not incur the bondage of sin when he causes pain to a patient by lancing a boil, because it is only an external cause, similarly, a monk who is distressed by the great suffering of the world, and whose mind is focused on the means to eliminate it, does not incur the bondage of sin when he engages in actions prescribed by the scriptures, because there are no karmic consequences. It is said:
"Neither suffering nor happiness is seen in the means of treatment. In treatment, however, there may be suffering or happiness."
1. Jatyantara-vidha Mu. 2. Krodhavesha- Mu.