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These physical results are in the forms of means. These are neither good nor bad. Their proper use is beneficial for all and improper use is harmful and results in physical harm as well as in spiritual downfall.
The available physical means can be misused in mundane pleasures, in indulging in violent activities, stealing, etc. The indulgence in mundane pleasures induces inertness, dependence, inability, agitation, distraction and distress in the spirit and eventually it undergoes painful experiences. Sins of violent nature like killing, hurting, stealing plundering, warring, quarrelling, disturbance, frightening, dismembering, etc., are causes of pain and misery. Like this the misuse of available resources can result in spiritual as well as physical downfall and it can be calamitous. Therefore, one must remember that the means at one's disposal are not only for one's enjoyment but also for employment in works of general weal. To employ them for personal enjoyment and for passionate indulgence is to harm oneself and the world at large. Such misuse of resources has no place in a life devoted to spirituality and righteous pursuits. Thus, the proper use of the available resources like material, wealth, body, senses, mind, intellect, etc., are the practical forms of non-violence like, kindness, compassion, charity, etc. Because these activities purify the soul they are also referred to as punya.
From this it is clear that the proper use of available resources in activities of general weal is punya and their misuse is pāpa. The punya does not harm the soul in any way. The fully detached omniscient Lords are infinitely meritorious and pious because they are infinitely charitable. Had the charity been bad and karma binding, the fully detached Lords would not have been infinitely charitable and their infinite charity would not have been referred to as destructional accomplishment (kṣāyika labdhi). For the infinitely charitable Lord the physical means such as His body, etc., do not matter. He does not have any sense of belongingness for them and they exist only in His knowledge and vision and not as doers and enjoyers. That is why He remains absolutely free from any karmic bondage what so ever. His
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Positive Non-Violence
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