Sambodhi 1990 Vol 17

Author(s): H C Bhayani
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 20

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The ideals of Sarvodaya, Loksangrhna and collective welfare have influenced various institutions and society at large. In modern India the virtue of compassion, the ideal of Jeevan Mukta and concept of collective liberation have gained recognition in public work and welfare activities. This may not be perceived concretely but it can be seen in the aims adopted by thinkers and leaders working for national interest. Kedarnathji writes in his book Vivek ane Sadhana' that “The hope, desire and inclinations for which human being forgets his humanity is likely to harm all that is worth in human being. Men should recognise humanistic spirit and he should cultivate control, carefulness, patience and should endeavour for clear and safe way with egolessness and discrimination in all the instances of duty, activity, joy, interest, desire, will, feeling and repuration. He should not forget humanity, Human action and human religion are to be constantly remembered. The power of the universe has passed through God and from God it has reached human personality. This charitable attitude of mankind has become pure and it is enriched by human virtues. It is to be offered for future welfare of mankind. This is the gist of all religions. This is the climax of devotion and philosophy."?
In Mahabharata, “Shyenakpotokhyan' the king Aushinor Shivi expresses his compassion and wills the welfare of all organisms and whole mankind. It is expressed in the following verse,
___ न त्वह कमिये राज्य न स्वर्ग' नापुनर्भवम् ।
प्राणिनां दुःखतप्तानां कामये दुःख नाशनम् ॥ I do not desire kingdom, heaven or liberation. I desire the destruction of suffering through which animals and other organisms are passing through and tortured.'8
In Shrimad Bhagavata Rantidev says as follows, 7 ETHÈSE" fanitaria परामष्टद्धियुनक्तामपुर्भव'वा । आतिप्रवद्येऽखिलदेहभाजामन्त: स्थिते थेन भवन्ति अदु:खा ॥ I do desire supreme state and liberation from eight types of suffering. I do not desire liberation but I desire that I should undertake their suffering so that they are free from pain."9
In Markendeya Purana King Vipaschita says, न स्वर्ग ब्रह्मलोक वा तत . सुख प्राप्यते नरः । यदात जन्तुनिर्वाण दानात्यमिति मे मतिः।।
The happiness which one attains by removing the suffering of animals is not possible to attain even in hearen. It cannot be attained even in Brahmloka.'10
In ancient value of compassion can be observed as being materialised in modern public life to a great extent. As I said earlier there are three