Jivadaya, Jīvadayā, Jiva-daya: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Jivadaya means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Jivadaya in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Jīvadayā (जीवदया) refers to the “mercy shown to living beings”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.5.5 (“The Tripuras are fascinated).—Accordingly, as Arihan said to the Lord of the Three Cities: “O ruler of the Asuras, listen to my statement, pregnant with wisdom. It is the essence of the Vedānta and bears high esoteric importance. [...] There is no other virtue equal to the mercy shown to living beings (jīvadayā-atulya). Hence all men shall strenuously practise acts of mercy to living beings (jīvadayā). If a single living being is protected it amounts to the protection of the three worlds. If that is killed it amounts to the killing of all others. Hence it is our duty to protect and abstain from killing others. [...]”.

Purana book cover
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The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Jīvadayā (जीवदया) refers to “compassion for (various) living souls”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “The wishing tree of the true doctrine which is firm, whose large and very thick root has come forth from compassion for various living souls (nānā-jīvadayā), whose twelve reflections are massive branches, which is guidance for a householder, whose excellent trunk is the way to heaven, whose splendid blossom is heavenly bliss [and] whose fruit is virtuous inactivity, is caused to ascend by worshippers of the Jina from water in the teachings of the splendid Jinas which are richly wooded”.

General definition book cover
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Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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