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The canvas of life is larger than the ‘self
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the path of absolute non-possessiveness. But non-possessiveness is not the sādhanā only for the monks. To give it a social context, it has been structured in a manner that it is easy to adopt by a householder as well. Thus, the Great Seer cast aside the narrow and static definition of non-possessiveness and redefined it in a dynamic, contemplative context.
Mahāvīra stated that if it is not possible for a person to forsake all his desires and attachments, he can still gradually reduce his attachments with sādhanā. By limiting his desires, he can become a seeker of non-possessiveness.
Desires are endless like the sky. If you allow them more space in your life, they will invade your peace, thereby resulting in greater sorrow and unrest. If desires are controlled, worries and unrest will also reduce. To set a control on desires, Mahāvīra propounded the vow of limiting desires. This vow is another way of shedding ownership. When the householder Ananda of Vaiśālī appeared before Lord Mahāvīra to adopt the vow of limiting desires, Mahāvīra explained to him, “Oh Ananda! Limit your wants. Distribute your excessive wealth and possessions at least in part, if not completely. Beyond a stipulated limit, do not lay claim on wealth and property. Similarly, free even your pets and domestic helpers from the unlimited rights that you have claimed over them."
This was the pure inspiration to shed ownership, which successfully triumphed over many of the discrepancies prevalent in society due to wealth. When a person relinquishes his rights over excess wealth and property, then it is free to belong to society and nation. Thus automatically begins an internal process of social evolution and progress.
I have reiterated in many of my discourses that socialization is an important process in human evolution. A person who has a broad outlook is social by nature. According to sociology, one who is not socially sensitive is not considered a complete person. That man is a social animal is a principle that is unanimously and universally accepted. At the core of this principle lies the fact that a man cannot live without society. Sociologists make
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| SR No. | 006592 |
| Book Title | Bliss |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Amarmuni |
| Publisher | Sanmati Gyan Pith Agra |
| Publication Year | 2010 |
| Total Pages | 186 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 12 MB |