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Jaina Philosophy and Religion
Regarding the feeling of gladness (pramoda-bhāvanā), we do not intend to say that one should be glad simply because someone is rich, strong, powerful or materially happy. But we intend to say that if he makes good use of his riches, strength, power and material means by employing them in giving relief and comforts to the miserable and the poor and in removing their miseries and distresses, then it is proper for one to be glad at his good qualities. If a man, though poor, earns his livelihood honestly doing manual labour or engaging himself in some industry or craft and remains satisfied with his lot, then on seeing such good qualities in him it is proper for one to be glad. The referential object of the feeling of gladness is stated to be the acquisition of good fortune as a result of past good actions, but that does not mean that even if a man makes bad use of his good fortune, we should be glad on his acquisition of good fortune. When it is stated that the referential object of the feeling of gladness is the acquisition of good fortune, what it really means is that it is not good fortune itself but the good activities conducted with its help is the referential object of the feeling of gladness.
Feeling of Compassion (Karuņā-bhāvanā) Now let us deal with the feeling of compassion. If on seeing someone suffering from pain a feeling of compassion is not roused in man, then it is impossible for him to observe the vows like non-violence, etc. So the feeling of compassion has been deemed necessary. Its referential object is a miserable person suffering from pain; for it is a miserable, poor, helpless person who stands in need of considerate regard and assistance If one has cultivated the feeling of mineness towards all beings, or the feeling of one's identity with all beings, then alone one is overcome by the feeling of compassion on seeing someone suffering from pain, just as one is overcome by the same feeling on seeing one's own beloved
(indifference). By the constant practice and nourishment of these four feelings, one can attain mental purity. The sixth aphorism of the seventh chapter of Maharși Umāsvāti's Tattvārthasūtra relates to this subject-matter. It is as follows: 'maitri-pramoda-kārunya-mădhyasthyāni sattva-gunādhikya-kliśyamānāvineyesu'. It means: One should develop a feeling of friendliness in relation to beings in general, a feeling of gladness in relation to those superior to oneself in merits, a feeling of compassion for those in misery, a feeling of neutrality in relation to those who in an idiot-like fashion are unworthy of instruction.
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