Humanism of Haribhadra

Author(s): Christian Lindtner
Publisher: Z_Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_1_002105.pdf and Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_2

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The Humanism of Haribhadra
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Reply : Surely, if he does not give away his kingdom, then his people, since he may not be the (right) leader-will, due to the evil of the times, start fighting with one another about the borders.
Since they will destroy a lot in this world and in the one to come, and since it will not be possible for a great soul fi.e. the king] to remain indifferent fas he wants to] if he has the military) power [to engage in a war)...
4.
Therefore, in order to help them, it would be a virtuous thing on his part to give away his kingdom--especially if he is a guru of the world who is consecrated for the welfare of others!
5.
Likewise, with regard to the rules, of wedding, etc., and with regard to determining works of art. It would not be wrong (for him to give up these things). It would, in fact, turn out to be the best form of good karma.
On the other hand, it is a very useful thing to protect living beings from even greater evils. It is something that is good for them as well as for him.
7.
Just as it is not wrong of him to protect elephants, etc. by pulling them into holes, etc., thus he [can do what seems necessary to protect other living beings) if there is no other alternative.
This is also something that must be maintained here (when talking about giving away his kingdom]. Otherwise the instruction [for a king) may well result in moral evil, since it is the cause of bad karma (dharma), etc.
XXIX. Eight Verses Showing the Nature of Equanimity
The Omniscient [Jinas] have also said that equanimity is a most important factor for liberation. It is said to belong to great souls who are (pure) like sharp knives and sandalwood.
It must be understood that it is really absolutely blameless. This is because it has the nature of a sound mentality that is the result of a (spiritual] purification by means of all kinds of yoga.