Portrait of Jain Religion

SR No.: 001926
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 138
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Principle
File Size: 9 MB

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be necessary for a person's living, but it is not right to develop excessive attachment towards them. Owning a material object may not be as much of parigraha as one's covetousness for it. Unethical needs, excessive or wasteful consumption, exploitative use of resources either by an individual or the society lead to injustice and violence. Thus violence and unjust exploitation arise from an attitude of excessive possessiveness. Mahavir's message is
"Any person who accumulates more than his legitimate requirements commits a theft on society".
Renowned philosopher Arnold Toynbee has said:
'Many a time the thought has occurred to my mind that some day the civilization could come to an end not by an atom bomb or famine, but by man's loss of self-control, his unrestrained and continually multiplying wants, exploitative and abusive harnessing of resources and wasteful and often over-consumption. Such are the tensions of our growingly artificial and superficial civilization.'
Aparigraha acts as a radar for non-violence since it inculcates self-restraint, self-control and self-discipline, controls greed, promotes virtues of charity and generosity as well as piety and compassion towards others. Aparigraha helps in moulding one's life style within well-defined limits (Maryada) and restraint (Samyam). It strengthens the concept of mutual supportiveness enshrined in Jain religion as PARASPAROPAGRAHO JEEVANAM. Aparigraha provides a rational, objective and equitable foundation for the practice of Ahimsa. Aparigraha provides strength to the philosophy of "give more and take less". Both in individual as well as community life this culture has the potential of bringing true contentment and happiness.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion