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Soul Science: Samayasara by Jain Acarya Kundakunda
Question: Everywhere we are taught that we should try to help and please others. If nobody can make others happy or unhappy, then what about the actions of a householder enlightened person (Jñānī)?
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Answer: We are also taught that we should give charity by one hand in such a way that even the other hand does not know it. If we keep this teaching also in our mind then it would be easy to understand the help on one hand and the notion of realizing oneself as the non-doer of happiness or unhappiness on the other hand.
Jain preceptors including Acarya Kundakunda have also taught to help others. Jain scriptures have described four kinds of charity (a) to provide food (b) to provide medical support (c) to provide scriptures/knowledge/books (d) to provide security for the benefit of others. The protection of even a small insect is also taught. A householder Jñānī who knows and believes in the philosophy of these stanzas may also be seen doing the act of generosity and help. Mythological scriptures are filled with examples of enlightened kings who believed, knew, and followed the philosophy described in these stanzas and were still engaged in the tasks of public benefit. The point is that one should not have this impression that after believing in such phisosophy the actions of mind and physical body cannot be in the direction of helping others.
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As explained in chapter 3, a Jñānī does not consider himself as the doer of actions of his physical body and mind. However, the actions of the physical body of a Jñānī happen in accordance with the rise of his own Karma. Karma bonded earlier due to his inclination of helping and serving others in the past when come to fruition then the actions of serving and helping take place through the physical resources and intellect available. A seed grown in the form of a tree does not need
