________________
CHAPTER SEVEN
259
(1) When the feeling of friendliness is practised in regard to all living beings whatsoever then alone is it possible for one to act in relation to each living being as non-violent, truthful, etc. Friendliness means to view others as one views oneself and hence the tendency or desire not to cause pain to others just as one does not cause pain to oneself.
(2) Often it so happens that one develops a feeling of jealousy on seeing someone superior to oneself. Now so long as this tendency is not exterminated it is not possible for nonviolence, truthfulness etc. to find a firm standing. Hence as against jealousy one is instructed to practice the bhāvanā of the virtuous merit gladness. Gladness means to evince respect for one superior to oneself in merit and to feel pleased on seeing him flourishing. The referential object of this bhāvanā is a person superior to oneself in merit, for evil tendencies like jealousy, envy etc. are possible only in relation to such a person.
(3) If on seeing someone suffering pain a feeling of compassion is not roused in one, then it is impossible for one to observe the vratas like non-violence etc. Hence it is that the bhāvanā of compassion has been deemed necessary. Its referential object is a miserable person suffering pain; for it is a miserable, poor, helpless person who stands in need of considerate regard and assistance.
(4) It is not on every occasion and at every place that bhāvanās of the form of a positive activity prove effective; for only too often the maintenance of an attitude of mere neutrality is of use in rendering steady the vratas like non-violence etc. Hence it is that one is instructed to practise the bhāvanā of neutrality. Neutrality means indifference or standing aloof. Thus when one comes across a person with an utterly idiotic mental background and one who is incapable of receiving into his head even a single salutary subject-matter-moreover, when all attemp at reforming him ultimately comes to utter nought—then it is only worthwhile that an attitude of neutrality be maintained by one in relation to such a person. Hence the referential object of the
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
