Bliss

Author(s): Amarmuni
Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith Agra

Page 11

possessiveness constitute Dharma (the real path). These five are to be adopted as the Smaller Vows of the layperson's religious endeavors and the Greater Vows of that of the monk's path. Violence and possessiveness have to be given up so that nonviolence and non-possessiveness may be embraced as a way of life. Possessiveness means attachment for objects and wealth. To give that up is defined as an essential part of the aspirant's life. But such an object-focused definition of religion coupled with pressure to incorporate that into life has made religion impractical. When these ideals cannot be incorporated from within one's inner being, then religion remains at a superficial level. According to Mahavira, possessiveness does not arise from the object itself; rather, it is attachment for the object which is the root of possessiveness. When attachment diminishes from life, when clinging to objects is effaced from life, then Mahavira's path of non-possessiveness shines forth.
In fact, non possessiveness is an inner calling rather than external behaviour. In Mahavira's vision, the amassing of objects is merely a collection which is important for family and society, as well as for the religious congregation. But the difference between collection and possessiveness is that collection in itself is considered a punya or noble deed where as possessiveness, a wrong deed. Rightful discriminative distribution of collectibles is not possessiveness. However, everyone does not have this right vision of distribution. Mahavira's message to those who had the potential to develop this quality of non-possessiveness was to stay focused on their goal of productive increase of wealth so that the society at large may benefit from their punya, "Remain focused. Your focus lets others find a vision. Your vision is the pillar of the economic system, as well as the guiding light of families, societies and, in fact, for the entire nation".
And those devout followers expressed their devotion to the Lord by saying "Chakhudayanam" - "Lord! You are the giver of vision". The Lord blessed his disciple Ananda by saying, "May you become a visionary. May you become the centre. May you hold the central axis of society. Remain detached and be alert towards the prescribed goals which will bring wealth, peace