Page Text
________________
samyagdarśana or samyaktva the manifestation of Prasama, sasvega, nirveda, anukampa & astikya.
4.1 Compassion (Anukampā) The soul has what are called "attributes" or characteristics or qualities. The attributes are manifested or become apparent in various human behaviours; one such being that can be termed as anukampā that the compassion, (beyond the commonly experienced emotional love) and therefore not susceptible to the changes and uncertainties which occur with emotion. That is, emotional love can change to the emotions of hatred and bitterness. The notion of compassion (unconditional love) is neither based on psychological need nor on reciprocal benefit. One does not love unconditionally or one does not become compassionate for the “pay-off'. Compassion is some underlying force or energy, which when expressed results in unbiased manifestation of beneficial human characteristics such as sense of equality, caring, releasing misery. Compassion is the fundamental attribute of human nature, valued throughout the globe, and throughout the ages.
Granted hatred, harm and destruction have occurred under the guise of love but this is not the same as compassion that is an aspect of a more developed human nature. Compassion attribute of soul motivates or determines the benevolent conduct of people in their relation to other living beings. There are cases of young children, who without prior influence refuse to eat meat because it is from animals that have been killed, or because they do not want animals to be hurt or to suffer.
This nature instinct of compassion attribute influences people's conduct and result in their attempting not to harm living beings.
It comes from within, 'inside' and not from outside, this natural need of anukampā motivates non harming behaviour towards nonhumans and which results among other in greater feelings of harmony, peace, happiness, and identity with them.
Philosophies, one of them like Jaina philosophy can do a great service to many people by providing a rational base for what is a complex and often difficult to articulate, fundamental human experience, traditionally referred to as the 'soul'.
Society at large is experiencing an increase in incidents of violence leading to harm and detrimental debilitating feelings of fear and insecurity. In light of the increasing need of
Page 66 of 385
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
| SR No. | 007712 |
| Book Title | ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | International School for Jain Studies |
| Publisher | International School for Jain Studies |
| Publication Year | 2012 |
| Total Pages | 404 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 13 MB |