Jainism

SR No.: 034033
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace
Publication Year: 2017
Total Pages: 148
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 27 MB

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5. Relation to Society
Mahavira was well aware of the fact that economic inequality and the hoarding of essential commodities very much disturb social life and living. These acts lead to the exploitation and enslavement of man. Due to such allocative inefficiencies, life in society can get endangered. Consequently, Mahavira proclaimed that the remedy for the ill of economic inequality is Aparigraha. All the means of illegitimate Parigraha bring about social hatred, bitterness, and exploitation. The method of Aparigraha tells us that one should keep only the possessions that are necessary for one's living and the rest should be returned to society for its well-being. Limiting wealth, essential commodities - all these are indispensable for the development of healthy social life. In a way wealth is the basis of our social structure, and if its flow is obstructed because of its accumulation by a handful of people, large segments of society will remain undeveloped. The hoarding of essential commodities creates a situation of social scarcity, which jeopardizes social life. In order to resist such inhuman tendency, Mahavira incessantly endeavored to establish the social value of Aparigraha.
6. Lifestyle
Lifestyle, or the way of life, is generally governed by the traditions set by the previous generations. But much has changed in the world during these years. This is an age of the Internet, cell phones, animal testing, global warming, and cultural and religious openness. In ancient times the choices were minimal; faith and traditions were strong. The choices in foods, travel, friends, and places of worship, books, teachers, and professions were extremely limited. In contrast, the present-day world is diverse, complex, ever changing and vibrant. Indeed, at every juncture one faces hundreds of choices. The very faith and actions of those choices remain instinctive and unquestioned in India, and face intense scrutiny by teenagers and young adults. The young adult of today desires to have his own car, personal care products, T.V., Internet for chatting, for Games, to fulfill his eating habits and many more ambitions to be fulfilled, and for this he requires wealth. The challenge before us is - How does one apply the 2000-year-old principle of non-possession in modern life-style? What are the methods that could be used to reduce the hoarding habit of possessions and setting the limits for them?
Every individual develops his life-style based on his personal emotions and on social norms and values. Man is a social being. Society forms a social relationship that sustains life. It is important for every man to establish this relationship. Hence, from the perspective of emotion man is a reality and from the perspective of life-sustenance society is a reality. There is no conflict in the realities of either of them. Man lives comfortably only with the assumption that society is real and keeping this in mind, safeguards social norms and values and starts with his lifestyle accordingly.
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