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7. 4-7
Various other feelings
Keeping in mind the possibility of supernatural harm is known as the perception of supernatural flaws. Continually nurturing the impressions of these two types of flaw perceptions is the essence of vows such as non-violence.
Only if one has practiced the perception of suffering in relation to things to be discarded, can their renunciation be firmly established. For this, there is a teaching here on the practice of considering faults such as violence as forms of suffering (suffering-perception). A holder of the vows of non-violence, etc., should imagine the suffering caused to others as similar to the suffering caused to oneself; this is the suffering-perception. This feeling is also useful in stabilizing these vows.
The four feelings, such as friendship and joy, are particularly useful for stabilizing vows like non-violence since they greatly assist in the practice of any virtue. With this thought in mind, these four feelings are mentioned here. The subject of these four feelings is different in different contexts, because only by practicing these feelings in their respective contexts do real results come about. Therefore, along with these feelings, their subjects are also portrayed separately.
Non-violent towards living beings:
1. There can be behavior as a true friend and truthful person only when there is a friendly disposition towards all living beings; therefore, the subject of friendship is all living beings. The essence of friendship is the understanding of oneness with others, thus fostering the disposition or feeling of not causing suffering to others, just as one does not wish for oneself.
2. Many times, a person feels envy upon seeing someone who is ahead of them. As long as this feeling does not perish, vows like non-violence and truth cannot endure. Thus, the feeling of joy, which is contrary to envy, is emphasized. Joy means showing respect towards someone more virtuous and being happy upon seeing their excellence. This feeling focuses on the more virtuous one, as it is towards them that envy or malice can arise. 3. If one cannot uphold vows of non-violence, etc., upon seeing someone in pain, it is considered ineffective. The subject of this feeling is primarily the suffering, poor, or orphaned individuals who expect kindness and help. 4. The feelings directed only towards one's own motivations are not always adequate; sometimes, maintaining a neutral attitude to stabilize vows like non-violence becomes essential. Compassion should arise, and therefore the feeling of pity is necessary for the suffering living being.