Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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APARIGRAHA - THE HUMANE SOLUTION
since status consciousness, an aspect that has to be fought, can be dealt with in a graduated manner rather than as an immediate priority. If smaller cars become more expensive than the bigger cars, the rich will have their egos satisfied by owning these expensive cars, which will help to some extent in reducing traffic jams. Though the problem of consumerism remains, atleast, the problem of traffic jam could be solved to some extent. Similar ways could be discovered to fight consumerism in other areas at the state level.
Increase in production and decrease in variety of things produced is perhaps best handled at the state level. The concept of economic growth could also mean horizontal growth rather than vertical growth, the suggestion here is therefore not an economy without growth, but one that caters to much wider section of society. Further some form of internationalism in areas of global concern is also desirable, where rigid nationalism may not provide sufficient solutions. But this is possible only if there is a sincerity of purpose in the international community. There is a big 'if' here. Nor is the suggestion new, having been made by several thinkers at least for the last forty or fifty years.
At the religious level, practical ways to contain consumerism can be worked out. As is well known, religious sentiments are very fragile. Many religious teachers have an intoxicating appeal for the masses. They can use their important status to streamline the thoughts, wishes or desires of their disciples. Masses may not be moved and changed so much by intellectuals, as by religious gurus. So instead of using their platforms for preaching religious fundamentalism, they can use them for preaching the anti-consumeristic philosophy and way of life. Unfortunately religious gurus are themselves entrapped in their own style of consumerism. Religious functions are becoming big consumeristic exercises. If the emotions of the masses must be played upon, they should be played upon for a more sensible cause which can help bring about a great social change. With somewhat common ethical principles of religion, religious gurus can thus help to curb the consumeristic behaviour of people. They can also use a common platform, if their egos do not come in the way, to reach the masses.