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CHAPTER - 13
APARIGRAHA (NON-POSSESSION AND NON-ATTACHMENT)
In Jainism, Aparigraha ranks in importance next only to Ahimsa, and is integrally related to it. Growth of attachment and possessiveness in a human soul is the beginning of violence. By the same token, the practice of aparigraha is the beginning of the development of the culture of non-violence.Aparigraha, inbuilt in the spirit of renunciation paves the way towards lasting happiness and genuine contentment. Mahavir explained this to his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam in the following very meaningful manner :
One who has conquered unhappiness Gains freedom from attachment One who has conquered attachment Gains freedom from desires One who has conquered desires
Becomes full of equanimity Non-possession implies non-attachment as well as a mindset of non-possessiveness. Mahatma Gandhi used to say
“Live by need and not by greed. Take from the mother Earth what you need. The Earth will then be able to serve and support living creatures
longer." Thus, non-possessiveness and non-acquisitiveness are vitally linked to the concept of caring and sharing', which is also at the root of non-violence. Ip the broader perspective, Aparigraha represents a highly egalitarian and ethical aspect of Ahimsa. Material objects may
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