Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 41

CONSUMERISM-ANTI-HUMAN GOAL
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(3) less attraction for newer and newer things, to (4) less desire for aimless, conspicuous consumption, to (5) less or controlled conspicuous consumption, to (6) less variety of things in the markets, to (7) less competition among producers, to (8) less consumption of things, to (9) less wastage, to (10) less burden on the environment, to (11) less environmental degradation, to (12) less disturbance of mental peace, in other words more detachment, or more peace of mind. This is like a chain of causation for peace of mind like Buddha's twelve fold chain of causation dvādaśanidāna that explains suffering as ultimately caused by Avidya'. 'Avidya' is the root cause of suffering. It is time to understand the root cause of present day restlessness and to understand that genuine pursuit of well being or happiness of society is necessary.
“At present none of us do anything, we look away, we remain calm, we are silent, we take refuge in the hope that the holocaust won't happen and turn back to our individual concerns, we deny the truth that is all around. Indifference to the future, we grow indifferent to one another, we drift apart, we grow cold, we drowse our way to the end of the world.” (Jonathan Schell- The fate of the Earth) This apathy or indifference is leading to 'too much stress' of 'too much and too fast' further leaving incalculable damage on ourselves and on earth.
If we wish to simplify our life-style we have to begin reflecting on these lines- 'how foolish it is to run from leisure by working too much'. By over working, we find ourselves not working for a living but working for a dying. The concept of simplicity is the only thing which combines altruism (well-being of all) and egoism (happiness for oneself) in our life style. Indian classical literature, the Gītā and the Greek literature of the great masters is full of such messages. Modern thinkers, economic analysts and futurists, also give similar messages with equal
rce. It is for us to take the cue for right direction and begin to act accordingly. The principles of (voluntary) simplicity and self control have a very important role to play. To give them practical pragmatic shape, policy makers have to be judicious and effective. This is difficult but not impossisble. Gandhian effectiveness is not a thing of the remote past, we have very clear picture of his ability to mobilise the masses, but