Karunani Charam Koti

This text, "Karunani Charam Koti" by Ramanlal C. Shah, explores the concept of compassion and its ultimate expression within Jainism, particularly as taught by Lord Mahavir.

The author begins by acknowledging that no religion is perfect and that followers interpret and practice their faith with varying degrees of understanding and sincerity. He notes that some people may act contrary to religious principles while still claiming to be religious, and that misunderstandings and misrepresentations can lead to criticism of the religion itself.

The text highlights that religion's scope is vast, extending from simple acts of righteousness to profound self-exploration and ultimately to liberation (moksha). While achieving the highest spiritual state is rare, the author emphasizes that even preventing wrongdoing and living a virtuous life is a significant achievement for ordinary people. However, he warns against stopping at this stage, as it means missing out on deeper spiritual progress.

The core of the discussion revolves around Ahimsa (non-violence), a central tenet of Jainism. Lord Mahavir's teachings on Ahimsa are presented as highly advanced and beneficial for both worldly peace and individual spiritual development.

A key point made is that not all lives are equal in their capacity for suffering or in the gravity of harm inflicted upon them. Lord Mahavir's universal principle of "No living being should be killed, for every life wants to live and none wants to die" is nuanced by the understanding that the degree of harm and sin varies based on the development of senses and consciousness. Thus, the sin of killing a human is different from killing an ant, and within humans, the sin differs based on age, character, and intent. The spectrum of violence, from causing mild discomfort to outright killing, is presented as having infinite gradations.

The author emphasizes that love and compassion are natural human qualities that, when nurtured, lead to a subtler understanding and practice of Ahimsa. He argues that compassion should not be limited to one's family, community, nation, or even humanity as a whole. True compassion, he states, extends to all living beings. This includes extending love even to enemies, and further to all creatures – from pets to wild animals, and down to the smallest single-sensed organisms.

However, the text points out a potential pitfall: some individuals, in their pursuit of Ahimsa, might focus on protecting small creatures while neglecting the suffering of impoverished or helpless humans, or exploiting them cruelly. This one-sided practice, the author suggests, can lead to misunderstandings about Ahimsa and tarnish the reputation of the religion.

The author also addresses the perspective that focusing solely on human welfare is sufficient, arguing that this is an incomplete view. The world is not structured for the perpetual happiness of all humans, and human compassion is not a compartmentalized emotion that should only be expressed after all human needs are met. Therefore, limiting one's consciousness and compassion solely to humans is not advisable.

The ultimate expression of compassion, as exemplified by enlightened beings (Mahatmas), encompasses all living beings – humans, animals, plants, and even microscopic organisms. Their actions, in thought, word, and deed, are aimed at causing no suffering whatsoever to any creature.

Lord Mahavir's teaching of Ahimsa, therefore, is not confined to human kindness but extends to compassion for all beings in the universe. Human kindness is an integral part of this broader compassion. The author concludes by stating that Lord Mahavir embodied the highest degree of Ahimsa, love, and compassion in his own life. Understanding and practicing these principles is challenging, but achieving them leads to both inner peace and world peace.