Hermann Kuhn
Uttamakshamamardavarjavashau chasatyasamyamatayapastyagakinchanya brahmacharyanidharmah (6)
Considering the needs of other beings (dharma) is
- forgiving (ourselves and others)
- giving up pride, disdain and arrogance
- being direct and clear in our communication
- being pure in our intentions
- being honest
- being alert (so we prevent injury to other beings)
- resolving problematic situations
- giving up activities (that others can perform better)
- keeping distance and
- to have the intention to grow. (6)
The purpose of our existence is to assist and help others (see Tattvarthasutra, chapter 5, sutra 21).[55]
Interaction with other beings is a fundamental characteristic of our life. Shaping this contact so that no new karma is bound is highly important for our progress towards the ultimate freedom. This sutra describes how to interact with other humans without attaching new karma to our interactive karmic field:
- Forgiving (others and ourselves) any real or imagined injustices or mistakes releases our attachment to past events that cannot be changed anyway. Forgiveness also stops emotions like revenge, jealousy etc. from binding new karma of the same type.
- Giving up pride, disdain and arrogance removes barriers between ourselves and others.
The viewpoints and opinions of others offer insight into wisdom and skills we could not (yet) gain ourselves.
Pride, disdain and arrogance reject the knowledge of others. Pride, disdain and arrogance are always caused by the fear that the viewpoints of others may endanger or violate the validity of our own position. Yet this kind of rejection is not based on better arguments, but solely on the projection of negative energy (aggression, unwillingness etc.). Pride, disdain and arrogance are always and only expressions of insecurity.
It is almost impossible to soften or change a position that is defended by pride and arrogance. Our basic unwillingness to consider other points of view removes us from the cooperation with other beings and thereby blocks all our further development. Giving up pride etc. prevents and removes this block. - The directness and clarity with which we communicate enables us to perceive the statements of others with the same clarity we send out. If we state our intentions clearly and without reservation, we prevent the acquisition of karma that obscures meaning and understanding. This enables us to recognize the essence of the statements of others, even if they are expressed in an unclear or deceptive manner.
- The purity of our intentions protects us from binding deluding karma. As long as we hide our intentions or act with secrecy, others will meet us with a similar attitude. Deluding karma blocks our clear perception of reality.
- Honesty - If practiced persistently honesty produces a power of character that motivates others to be truthful with us as well. Since honesty removes karma that causes delusion and misunderstanding, it automatically gives us access to true knowledge.
- Alertness not to injure other beings has the effect that the activities of others do not infringe upon our expressions of life. Awareness of the needs of other beings (human beings, animals and plants) and integrating these needs into our planning and action expands the scope of our own vision of this world.
- Resolving problematic situations - While sharing this world with other people, it is almost impossible to avoid differences in expression and needs. These differences may easily grow into unwieldy problems if they are not communicated in time. Not communicating in time causes unnecessary tensions that increase the longer we shy away from such confrontations.
Compensating for these tensions takes energy away from the realization of our own goals.
These tensions further significantly reduce our willingness to consider the viewpoints and motivations of others.
When we consciously confront such situations to dissolve tension we automatically free considerable energy for more productive use. We also prevent the binding of new karma that unresolved tensions might easily cause. - Giving up activities that others can perform better or derive more joy from means to give up objects, power, influence etc.
Positions and objects we have outgrown easily become obstacles to our progress. Letting go of such (limiting) components opens our awareness for bigger tasks and widens our view for more advanced, more progressive experiences. It also gives others the opportunity to prove themselves at tasks we already completed. - Keeping distance to the activities of others protects us from being drawn into situations and events that may make us stray from our own path.
This does not mean to keep away from all and any involvement with others. It means to keep our own sovereignty in the face of the activities of others. - The intention to grow means to direct our life towards dynamic expansion. The momentum with which we pursue this objective motivates others to expand their own range of consciousness and experience as well.
