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344
The Unknown Pilgrims
In the same way, Ācārya Bhikṣu considered that dāna, any sort of gist - this being of concern to śråvakas and śrāvikās in particular - must be confined to ascetics and renunciates, for this is pure giving, this is the dharma. Indiscriminate giving is not exempt from an element of attachment, of self-interest or of the passions and thus results in the accretion of bad karmas. Ācārya Bhikṣu used to say that he did not forbid the practice of dāna, but he indicated those to whom one should give.
Next, what is dayă, compassion? Compassion is, essentially, abhaya-dāna, the gift one gives to the jivas by not frightening them or filling them with fear, not distressing or tormenting them; and this is precisely what ahimsă is from the point of view of atma-śuddhi.33 This approach may at first sight seem too radical and idealistic, nevertheless, it is very right and proper, for it goes below the psychological and emotional level to the level of sheer being. However, it must be understood and practised with discrimination, in accordance with increasing clarity of vision; one must not lay claim to detachment 100 quickly and this attitude, if adopted prematurely, could give rise to harshness and a certain type of egoism.
To sum up what has been said, we may add that it is important to practise the multi-facetted discipline inculcated by this vow, without losing sight of niscaya, the essential, namely, that equanimity which is specially connected with samyama and which aims at avoiding activities that are harmful to beings, rather, according them, infinite respect. This attitude of mind will, in proportion as knowledge is purified, give rise to a desire that others should attain Liberation and supreme Happiness and therefore - in imitation of the tirthankaras - one will preach the way of Liberation to all, to instruct and enlighten them. The sādhvis must not only study the Scripture and the doctrine in order to acquire knowledge, but they must teach others. Now at the root of this concern to enlighten others, we find ahimsă in its positive aspect.
33 Cl. Yuvācārya Mahaprajña, 1979, chs. 4-5; cf. P 247 ff.
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