________________
buildings, gold, silver, wealth, food / cereals, male and female servants, clothes and utensils.
Q.VII.17.6 A.VII.17.6
How many types of possession in total are there? As indicated above, we can say that possessions are of twenty four types.
Q.VII.17.7
A. VII.17.7
If we term amassing of anything as possession, then can we say birds and animals as without possessions and an emperor as with greatest possessions? It is not so as will be clear from the following explanation. By possession is implied possessiveness which is the feeling of 'mine' in external sentient and insentient objects and internal states like attachment / aversion etc which is described as infatuation and hence possessions.
Q.VII.17.8 A.VII.17.8
What is the characteristic of possessions? The 'feeling of mine (mamatva)' in external objects like wealth etc and the internal dispositions like attachment is the characteristic of possessions. This is so as they further give rise to the thought of safeguard such objects also.
Q.VII.17.9 A. VII.17.9
Is the feeling of 'mine' in knowledge acquired also possession? It can be and may not be, depending on the application of the knowledge acquired. If it is used for self purification and to guide others to practise the path of spiritual purification, then it is not possession. However if the knowledge acquired gives rise to pride or cause injury to others then it is a possession.
Q.VII.17.10 A.VII.17.10
Who the notorious persons are associated with the five types of sins? Dhanashri for violence, Satyaghosh for falsehood, Tapasvi for stealing, Police superintendent Thamadanda for being unchaste and Shmashru Navneet for possessions are the notorious persons in the respective sin.
Q.VII.17.11
A. VII.17.11
If the giving up of clothes is essential for ascetics, then why giving up the whisk and water pot also not essential for them? An ascetic does not keep the whisk and water pot with a feeling of ‘mine' or due to his desire. He/she keep them to practise selfrestraint. Hence they cannot be said as possessions.
fu''KY;ks orh VII.18
Ni alyoo vrat
vFk% Meaning:
tks 'kY; &j fgr gs og forhgA The votary is free from stings.
261