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CHARITY
Dāņam silam ca tavo bhāvo, evam cauvviho dhammo Savvajinehim bhaṇio, tahā duhā suacaritehiṁ ||
- Saptatisthānaprakaraṇa, verse 96.
All Tirthankaras have propounded the four-fold religion comprising charity, righteousness, penance and right volitional disposition. The same religion has been said to be of two kinds as scriptural (Śruta dharma) and practical (Caritra dharma).
Here, it is worth noting that the first duty amongst the four religious duties prescribed is charity.
"Anugrahārtha svasyātisargo dānaṁ \"
- Tattvärtha sūtra, 7.33.
To give away our things for the sake of grace is charity. Defining grace it has been said that "Svaparopakāro anugrahaḥ 1" or to do well by oneself and the other is grace.
"Parānugrahabuddhyā svasyātisarjanaṁ dānaṁ \"
62
- Sarvārthasiddhi commentary.
To give away our own things for the benefit of the others is charity. Renunciation has been said to be dharma in the Jaina tradition. Therefore, charity is dharma. Being dharma it is the way to spiritual emancipation and liberation.
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