Bundokji wrote: ↑Sat Aug 25, 2018 1:00 pmAre you equating being compassionate with what is described as "mercy killing"?
Mercy killing can be an act of compassion. As can euthanasia, termination of pregnancy and various other other acts of killing. In the same way stealing, etc... can be acts of compassion.
why the act itself is not rooted in selfishness?
Of course it can be. So can generosity and the other paramita.
Unenlightened beings often act with mixed intentions, and the intention behind the mercy killing could be ridding ones self of unpleasant feelings arising from seeing the suffering of another being, using compassion as a disguise.
Of course it can, but it is not necessarily so.
There is also a lot of wisdom in having fixed and strict rules which can be understood by the practitioner.
Yes, strictly following rules works quite well for some people.
Understanding this, the logic behind the vinaya as a long list of strict rules and the role they play in personal and spiritual growth becomes clearer.
The Vinaya is for monastics, are you a monastic?
It is not a coincidence that the vast majority of those who commit atrocities do it under shiny slogans. The history of humanity is full of examples.
Indeed, that is what happens if one does not act out of wisdom and compassion.
Even if one is certain of his/her own intentions when breaking the rule, at least should have the honesty of not claiming to be acting according to the Buddha's teachings.
Which of the Buddha's teachings are you talking about?
Engaging in killing, even if motivated by wisdom and compassion, will bring karmic results which may delay one's "spiritual" progress; that is why the Bodhisattva's path takes such a long time to transverse.