Item 1 in Jain Ten Supreme Virtues

Supreme forgiveness

Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability.

Position
1
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Especially Digambara Jains, with broader Jain ethical relevance
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Supreme forgiveness

Source wording

Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability.

Practical meaning

Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Nonviolence
  • Justice
  • Compassion

Sources