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Non-possessiveness - a universal framework
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of possessiveness. As Mahāvīra said:
Possessing an object is different from the tendency of possessiveness. The Ācāryas speak of objects as possessiveness so that one may also remain vigilant and not become attached. It is only the attachment to these possessions that one has to be wary of. A person can travel lightly only when he has shed off the impulse of possessiveness. Verily, attachment is possessiveness. 4
Our monks of bygone days used the example of flies as an analogy. A fly that sits on a crystal of sugar, enjoying its sweetness flies away even when a soft breeze blows by. But a honeybee is not swayed even by strong winds. Come what may, it remains glued to the honey, even at the cost of its life. A seeker must remain detached amidst objects of enjoyment like the fly in the above analogy. He can then instantly break away all ties.
I remember an incident about a person known as Khetanji. In his days of extreme poverty, he opened a shop in Calcutta. Luck favoured him and he became very successful. At that time, the cows of his village had no shelter and were living in extremely piteous conditions. The villagers decided to construct a cowshed, but they needed funds for such a venture. So they approached wealthy people in bigger cities. This is how they met Khetanji and requested him to help in this noble venture.
Khetanji said, “Staying here, I find it difficult to take care of my own house. How can I help you in your cause?"
The villagers responded, "It is our faith in you that has brought us this far. Kindly do not disappoint us."
He replied, "Alright, since you insist so much, I will give you some money, but I cannot be involved in any administrative activities. I also insist that you first get some donation from that other shop across the road and then come to me for my
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jam pi vattham va pāyam vā, kambalam pāyapucchanaṁ tam pi sanjamalajjatthā, dhārenti pariharenti ya na so pariggaho vutto, nāyaputteņa tāiņā mucchā pariggaho vutto, imi vuttam mahesiņā --Daśvaikālika Sūtra 6.282/283
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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 |