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group. One can even think well of him in a detached and selfless way. The affection of the Tirthańkaras was boundless and their affection was, in fact, extended in ample measure to even those who subjected them to various hardships and afflictions.
TĪRTHA-KARA'S UNIVERSAL AFFECTION
'Esā Bhagavtī ahimsā jā sā aparimiya-nāņadamsaņadharehim silaguņa-viņaya-tava-sañjama-nāyake him Titthankarehim savvajagavacchalehim tiloga-mahiehim Jiņacandehim sutthu ditthā l'
That is, -The Tirthankara-Jinas that are endowed with unbounded knowledge and vision, that are leaders in the matters of righteousness, humility, penance, and restraint, that have affection for all the living beings of the world and that are venerated by all, know well about this goddess called non-violence.
Comments - There is a special meaning in calling the Lords Tirthankaras as having affection for all the creatures of the universe. This special quality in them points towards their unbounded feeling of kindness and compassion for all.
SERMON FOR AFFECTION Cāduvanne sanghe cadugadisarsāranittharaṇamüdhe Vacchallaṁ kādavvam vacche gāvī jahā giddhi ||
- Mülācāra, 5.66. That is – One must have as much affection for the four fold religious order (consisting of monks, nuns, lay male followers and lay female followers), which aids the liberation of an individual aspirant practitioner, as a cow has for its calf.
Anavaratamahimsāyām śivasukha
lakṣmīnibandhane dharma |
Sarvesvapi ca sadharmisu paramam vātsalyamālambyam ||
- Puruşārthasiddhyupāya, 29.
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Positive Non-Violence
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