A Comparative Study of Ahimsa in Jain Philosophy and Metta in Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Abstract

          This research consisted of three objective.They were to 1) study principles of A-himsâ in Jain, 2) study principles of the compassion in Theravada Buddhism (Metta), 3) comparative study of A-himsâ in Jain and Metta in Theravada Buddhism.

The results were follows: The principles of A-himsâ in Jain philosophy were found (1) A-himsâ meaning abstaining from hurting even the tiniest live things, no matter it was visible or invisible because these things consisted of souls and it was the way of treating every living thing in earth, water, wind, fire. Non-Violence was unchanged rule.  (2) A-himsâ were classified into three categories includes body, speech and mind.  (3) A-himsâ was considered as the heart or core of all most important teaching in Jain. (4) The way to practice was superb because abstinence from hurting even the tiniest live things, no matter it was visible or invisible. (5) The Jain ultimate goal was Kai-Valaya that means the thing was before all things and behind all things.

         The concept of Metta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy were found Metta meaning (1) Sharing kindness feelings with parity for all living things, (2) Metta were classified into three category include body, speech and mind and three level classified, basic, medium and high level, (3) Metta was kindness to all human animal that will help the world in peace, (4) Metta were practice by grow the kindness feeling in mind and sharing to another, (5) Metta goal in Theravada Buddhist philosophy were maintain peace in the community. Keep the people stay together in peace with having responsibility and respect to other no limitation in sex, age, occupation, religion.

          The comparative of A-himsâ in Jain philosophy and Metta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy were found. There were same thing and difference thing in Jain’s A-himsâ the practice way were to superb and tortured mind. Metta in Theravada Buddhist has the difference. The way to practice were “the middle way” no tension no laziness progresses with mindfulness (Sati). But the principles were Similar too many.