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PURUSHARTHA-SIDDHYUPAYA
51. One who does not actually commit Himsa, becomes responsible for the consequences of Himsa; and another who actually commits Himsa, would not be liable for the fruit of Himsa.
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Commentary.
All depends on the nature and intensity of thought and intention. If one is ever thinking of causing harm to another, he is guilty even though he does not actually cause any injury; and another who intent upon not causing any injury, becomes the unconscious instrument of Himsa, would not be penalised for such a result. A burglar who fails in robbing an honest citizen is punished as a felon, and a surgeon, even though his patient may die during an operation skilfully performed, with all attention, is not responsible for such death.
एकस्याल्पा हिंसा ददाति काले फलमनल्पम् । अन्यस्य महाहिंसा स्वल्पफला भवति परिपाके ॥ ५२ ॥
52. To one, trifling Himsa brings in time serious result; to another grievous Himsa at time of fruition causes small consequence.
Commentary.
The degree of Himsa varies with the motive which causes it. The building of a temple may occasion injury to innumerable beings, but the person who builds carefully with compassionate attention commits only such Himsa as is unavoidable.
Again, take the cause of what we call a sportsman, who goes out hunting for the sake of pleasure only. He pursues a timid innocent deer, who runs about among bushes and fields for shelter. Yet the hunter bent on killing the inoffensive creature relentlessly follows him on, and utters a shout of triumph when he overtakes and kills him. He seizes his dead body and gloats in the thought of having a delicious dish of venison in the company of friends, and a deer's skin for decoration and other uses.
Jain Education International
The amount of evil Karma generated and acquired by the temple builder, is much less than what the hunter becomes responsible for, though the former has killed living beings beyond reckoning, and the latter only one. The reason is the comparative degree of passion which actuates the action.
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