Lessons of Ahimsa and Anekanta for Contemporary Life

Author(s): Tara Sethia
Publisher: California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Page 20

Kristi Wiley, “Ahimsa, Compassion and Samyaktva”
passages related to compassion, the commentators gloss anukampå as “daya” or “ghrna," "compassion, pity, sympathy, or tenderness towards others.” Compassion is “maitrī,” or "friendliness towards others.” A compassionate person is one whose heart is full of the feeling of kindness for the afflictions (pīda) of others, as if this suffering were one's own. Another interpretation of compassion, that of giving to others, is offered by the Svetămbara commentator Siddhasenagaņi. “When one gives food, water, clothing, utensils, shelter, and so forth to the afflicted, the poor, and beggars who have not renounced the household life, and to mendicants as well, there are fruits in the form of disassociation of various types of karmic matter. This brings about knowledge, faith, and conduct. Or, giving is showing compassion. It is viewing the suffering of others as if it were one's own. Dana is giving away with the intent or wish of showing kindness or giving assistance to others. ??8
Compassion is discussed by the commentators in association with TS 1.2, where samyak-darśana is defined as "belief in substances as they really are.” Here, four indicative signs of samyak-darśana are listed as praśama (calmness), samvega (uneasiness with worldly existence), anukampa (compassion), and ästikya (belief in the existents such as the soul, non-soul, and so forth). Since compassion is associated with a proper view of reality (samyaktva), it is not surprising that kārunya is listed among the contemplations (bhāvanās) that strengthen all five vows (TS 7.6 = SS 7.11). This sūtra reads: "Friendliness (maitri) towards all living beings, delight (pramoda) in the distinction and honor of others, compassion (kārunya) for the afflicted (kliśyamāna), and equanimity (madhystha) towards the ill-mannered [should be contemplated].”
18 Umāsvāti, Tattvārtha Sūtra with Svopajña-bhâsya and commentary by Siddhasenaganī, 2 vols., (Devachanda Lalbhai Jain Pustakoddhar Fund, Series nos, 67 and 76, 1926-30): 6.13.