Sambodhi 1989 Vol 16

Author(s): Ramesh S Betai, Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 71

makes my brother to oflend, I will cat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." After quoting Turgeniev, Dr. Radhakrishnan asks uis-If we are to be so particular even in matters of diet, how much more respectful should we be ia matters of social life and religion ?
Dr. Radhakrishnan compares Buddha's words with the christian concept of Love. "Not by hate is hate destroyed, by love alonc is hate destroyed. Ye monks, if robbers and murderers should severe your joints and ribs with a saw, lic who fell into anger, threat would not be fulfilling my commands."27 To love one's enemies, to bless them that curse, to do good to them that late, to turn the other cheek, to leave the cloak with him who takes the coat, to give all to him who asks, are the teachings of Jesus. Jesus asks us to forgive our brethren even if they sin against us. 'Seventy times seven.28 St. Paul said, -I11 Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, Barbarian, Scythiau, bondu nor free, but yet are all one man in Christ Jesus.29 Jesus asks us to assume a responsibility for the whole humanity.
When Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he must suffer, Peter reaproaches him: "Be it far from thee, Lord : this shall not be unto thee" and Jesus repulses him with sharp words: "Get thee behind me, Satan."30 The Gospel tradition shows clearly this change of emphasis in Jesus' teaching, and the new note served to heighten the significance of his message. The intercessory and expiative power of suffering is emphasized in Christianity. Jesus' appeal on the cross "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" is a piece of his love for his people.
Love and suffering go hand in hand. Dante looked at the lover's wearing through all the ages the Supremest Crown of sorrows."Suffering is not punishment but the prize of fellowship" says Dr. Radhakrishnan. "It is not always a misfortune. It often helps us to grow."31 Here Dr. Radhakrishnan is very far from the actual Biblical meaning of suffering. The sufferings of life, are the result of the entrance of sin into the world. Scripture and experience both teach us that sin is universal, and according to the Bible, the explanation for this universality lies in the fall of Adam. The whole life of Jesus was a life of suffering. The sufferings of the saviour were not purely natural, but also the result of a positive deed of God.32
Sin :
The sufferingsof li fe, which are the result of the entrance of sin into