Aparigraha the Humane Solution

Author(s): Kamla Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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APARIGRAHA - THE HUMANE SOLUTION
renunciation is not regarded as the supreme goal or most desirable; however, some Upanisads, which are in a way the synthesis of Brahmanical and Sramanical thoughts are exceptions to the above statement. It is noteworthy that Brahmanical literature is replete with references to dāna(charity, donations and giving gifts). Dāna may have something in common with aparigraha; however, the two also express some difference in the approach of the two persons; i.e. one who gives gifts' and one who does not take gifts.?
The concepts of dāna, tyāgaand santoșain relation to aparigrala will be discussed shortly to understand the similarities and differences in these notions, their relation to the social system which promotes them, and consequently what effects these virtues have on the social system, The importance of aparigraha is given in both Brahmanical and Sramanical literature. It is given a very special place in the Upanișadio literature. Iśāvāśyā says that one should not covet and be greedy for the wealth of others. On the other hand, the best use of wealth lies in renouncing it for others, and not coveting what belongs to others. It means that all that there is in the Universe, great or small, is pervaded by God. In one of his talks at a meeting in Quilon, Mahatma Gandhi said that the whole of Hinduism could be summed up in one single verse of Isopanişad: “The reward of renunciation is bhuñjitha i.e. enjoyment of all that you need. but there is a meaning in the word translated as 'enjoy'. Which may as well be translated as ‘use' and 'eat' etc. It signifies, therefore, that you may not take more than necessary for your growth. Hence the enjoyment or use is limited by two conditions: One is the act of renunciation .... Therefore, take it as you like, either in the sense that enjoyment or use is the reward of renunciation or that renunciation is the condition of enjoyment, renunciation is essential for our very existence for the soul."
1. Dāna is referred to 2. Aparigraha is referred to 3. What is Hinduism - Mahatma Gandhi National Book Trust, New
Delhi. 1995 p. 42.