Jainism the Creed for All Times

SR No.: 006564
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 420
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 108

is compassion. How can, then compassion ever be sinful? Yes, there is only one possibility and that is if one is not compassionate at heart and just puts up a show of it for name and fame, he certainly gathers no merit but collects a lot of sin in the process. Otherwise true compassion can never be sinful.
We can conclude this discussion on compassion by saying that compassion is meritorious. It is a stepping-stone towards higher spiritual achievements, and that it is the noblest form of selfless service, which makes it karma-shedding penance. Thus, compassion, at its best, is liberating and, at its least, it is meritorious.
Non-violence In Practice -
In the Jaina tradition the practice of non-violence has been prescribed at two distinct levels -- monastic and laypersons. The prescriptions for the monastic non-violence are justly more rigorous and stringent while those for the laypeople are comparatively lax. The details of such practices have been discussed, at length, in the fourteenth and the fifteenth chapters that deal with Jaina ethics in relation to the lay followers and the ordained ascetics respectively. However, a brief account is being given here for the sake of continuity. The Lay Followers' Non-violence -
The lay followers have fewer restrictions as compared to the ascetic members of the order. Their non-violence is limited to not committing any intentional, unnecessary and avoidable violence against any innocent creatures that are capable of motion. They as a rule can act in self-defence and also to protect their kith and kin as well as their servants, live stock and other material wealth. This is termed as refraining from committing any gross violence.
The householders' violence may fall in any of the four 80 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES