________________
Non-violence
103
fore the nice effects of non-violence show their influence on them. It is reverse with regard to mercy. It is an element which yields greater fragrance only to the person wno reaps its benefit. The happy effect of mercy is found in no time on the person who reaps its benefit. Mercy is therefore like an open sword which is noticed by all. Practice of mercy is therefore the glory of dharma.
Non-violence and mercy both are required for a systematic maintenance and nourishment of the society. Greater is the sorrow and slavery of the society and the nation in which there is a torture inflicted on the society and the rights of the weak are suppr. essed. Opposed to this, the society and the pation in which there is lesser torture on the right of the weak and greater protection of their rights is happier and more independent. In a similar way, when the able individuals sacrifice their facilities for the weak and serve them, that society and that nation are more steady and prospe. rous, Greater selfishness of the individuals means greater weakness of both. We can thus derive a positive conclusion from the histories of societies and nations. It is that non-violence and mercy are the elements that are as much conducive to spiritual good as they maintain and nourish the society and the nation.
Both these elements are equally necessary for the bliss of the world. Still, bringing about mercy is easier than non-violence. Non-violence cannot be induced in life in the absence of inder vision. Mercy can, however, be induced in the life of the common people like us berest of inner vision.
Non-violence being prohibitive, it is included in the freedom from causing torture to others; following it is possible even in the absence of very close observation. It is not so with mercy. It is prescriptive and its practice is dependent upon circumstances and situation. Proper thinking is therefore necessary in its observanca. Here, very great alertness and a thorough consciousness of the situa ion of time and place are expected.
(Darśan ane Cintan, pt. 1, pp. 451-456)
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
