________________
102 : Śramana, Vol 59, No. 3/July-September 2008
suffer in such a degrading way, in the name of all religions, would clearly fall under the heading of "Himsa" of worst and meanest injury, and would, besides, mean a downright insult to Religion in general.
Resuming, one can say that the social conduct prescribed by Jainism is characterized by the four attitudes "Maitri", Pramoda," "Karunya, "and "Madhyasthya, "which have been grouped together in the following stenzas :
mā kosāt kopi pāpāni mā ca bhūta ko'pi duḥkhitaḥl mucyatāṁ jagadapyeṣā matimaitrī nigadyatel apāstāśeṣadoṣāṇāṁ vastutattvāvalokināṁ guneṣu pakṣapato yaḥ sa pramodaḥ prakīrtitaḥ dineṣvätteṣu bhīteṣu yācamāneṣu jīvitaṁA pratikarapară buddhiḥ kāruṇyambhidhiyatel krūrakarmaṣu niḥśarka devataguru nindiṣu ātmāśamsiṣu yo'pekṣā tanmādhyasthyapamudīritam||
"By Maitri, i.e., amity, is meant that mentality which makes one wish that no creature should commit evil actions, that no creature should be suffering, and that the whole universe may find salvation."
"Pramoda, i.e., joy, designates the fullest appreciation of, and admiration for the virtues of those who have shaken off all sin, and who can see through the essence of all things."
66
"Kāruṇya, i.e., compassion, is that trend of mind which makes one wish to help all creatures in need, all that are afflicted, and all that ask for their lives."
"Madhyasthya, i.e., impartiality, is that indifference, or rather leniency one should always bear towards those who commit cruel actions, those who openly blaspheme the Divine, or the spiritual teacher, and those who are filled with arrogance."
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
