Bliss

SR No.: 006592
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

Page 167

Non-possessiveness - a universal framework
power gives birth to pride; both these negative emotions create obstacles rather than enhance life.
152
What is the path that can enhance life and bring joy? Lord Mahāvīra said, "Relinquish all desires. This is the pathway of joy." If you do not have the inner strength to relinquish all your desires, at least attempt to tread a partially developed path to happiness by limiting your desires. There are many objects of enjoyment in this world. Material wealth has always been a source of enjoyment, but has it brought about true happiness or peace? So, whether gradually or all at once, one must relinquish the desire for possessions if one wants to find contentment. For the worldly beings, there is no greater bondage than possessiveness.
I ask you a simple question - who has greater possessiveness, a man who lives in a hut or an emperor who lives in a palace of gold? If you think this question is ridiculous, let me tell you that possessiveness should be gauged not by the quantum of possessions owned but by the quantum of vows of nonpossession taken. Therefore, one cannot answer this question without knowing whether either of them had adopted vows of non-possessiveness. The poor man may possess just a hut, but if he has not vowed to restrict the number of objects he would like to possess, he is considered possessive. On the other hand, an emperor as rich as king Ceṭaka was considered non-possessive because he had adopted the vow to restrict the extent of his wealth. So among the two, though the poor man had fewer possessions compared to the king, it is he who is considered as having greater possessiveness.
In the world today, there is a great need for such people who follow this vow of non-possessiveness as prescribed by Lord Mahāvīra. The rich must reflect on the greed that drives them to earn so much for themselves and their families. Embracing the whole of humanity in your fold will make you a wiser and nobler person. It will empower you to stake your life for your country rather than make the fabled snake out of you, who in the need to guard its treasure gets glued to it.