________________
the change that any entity undergoes. It cannot do anything on its own, in the absence of the upadan.
Every entity is its own material cause (upadan). Everyone has to walk on his or her own feet. Nobody can walk for others. Neither a group of servants, nor any agency, or the father can study on behalf of his son. The son will have to study himself. Despite the greatness of our instrumental agent (nimitta), he or she can never be our upadan (material cause). In Sutrakritanga (1/4/3), Mahavir has said 'surodaye pasati cakkhuneva'. Even after rising of the Sun, it is the eyes that have to see. The question is, if we cannot become upadan for each other, then are we merely silent spectators?
ART OF LIVING
If an entity has nothing to do with the other, then it is like cooking one's own meals separately. Does Mahavir give such a message? While conceding aloneness, he brings out our deep relationship with other entities. He says, we may not become the upadan (material cause) for others but we can become a nimitta (instrumental agency). Our role is that of the upadan for self and nimitta for others. Mahavir has given this formula for living and leading a practical life also. Trying to become the upadan for others is a form of violence. Today, this violence is the main reason for conflict, chaos, friction and division in our houses, establishments and offices. In "The Prophet", Khalil Gibran, musing on bringing up children, unknowingly echoes Mahavir's thoughts: 'They come through us, but not from us and though they are with us, yet they belong not to us.' Yet, how many parents think this way? Most of them strive to make their children do and become what they want them to. That they should always tread the path decided for them, by their parents.
By not trying to become the upadan (material cause) for others, do we have any obligation toward them? There is no question of any obligation. This is their due, which we give them. If we are not violent with others, it is not our mercy. Mahavir did not begin his journey with a notion and
14
