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THE ESSENCE OF JAINA SCRIPTURES
benefit, it would be necessary to cultivate this virtue of mercy, as also another virtue which invariably goes with it - compassion. Both of these are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist or be embellished without the other. Dalai Lama
In this regard a question may be asked that while one spends his time, energy and money, only others benefit? In other words “how is mercy or compassion” to be considered "twice blest” as is claimed? According to the Dalai Lama, “The first beneficiary of compassion is always oneself” as it "reduces our fear, boosts our confidence and brings inner strength.” It is spirituality of the highest order for it leads to positivity and contentment. It is negation of the feeling of hatred, revenge and criticism of fellow sentients. Compassion, as the Dalai Lama says, is that unique sense of caring which binds people into a single human family. Patanjali
Patanjali, while including compassioni (karana) as one of the necessary virtues for obtaining peace and felicity (chittaprasadnam), based his exhortation on practical wisdom. This is because when a person is involved in act of mercy or compassion, he emerges, though for a short while, out of his own cloistered world within, to that real and vast world, where suffering poverty, inequity and despair abound. 86 Commenting on it, K. Vijayaraghavan observes:
In this comprehensive view of things, one's own problems, concerns and anxieties would appear less daunting. He would also comprehend that the world outside also includes those immumerable persons and also animals and birds who, though deprived, have much strength, toughness and resilience within. Such exposers have an inspiring impact whereby the resultant broadness in outlook serves to erase the accumulated prejudices, grudges, resentments, conflicts and self-pity from the mind. The 'space' now created within permits entry of noble thoughts and healthy vibrations. Improved focus, which comes about naturally, ensures accomplishments in all ways. The person concerned is, thus, more than compensated for his efforts.
Importantly, he is also at peace, in the feeling that he has done his bit. 87 The Bible
(These virtues) bring with them that fulfillment within, which only
