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Conflict resolution
spends his life in the expansion of his territory. Ponder a while and answer this - which among the two is more possessive?
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You might wonder at such a strange comparison. After all, what does the worm possess? Neither material objects nor a large body, not even longevity! To compare it with the enormous kingdom and wealth of an emperor seems ridiculous, does it not?
But herein lies the impartiality of Jainism. It places both of them on the same platform. If you reflect, you will understand that both are equals as far as their tendency of attachment goes. The wisdom to set a limit on one's desire is not exercized by either of them. Let me explain this further.
Does a worm have the power to think? If it cannot think, how can it have desires? I am sure these are the questions in your mind. It is true that a worm has neither mind nor imagination. But what if it did? If it could think like a human being, if it had imagination and if you then asked it what it desires, what do you think its answer would be? Let me assure you that its desires would be no less than a king's desires. But in its present form, it does not possess the adequate mental faculties to so desire. Therefore, its desires are dormant and inactive.
Would you call this sacrifice? Would you consider this as a victory over desires? It is obvious that this is not an expression of inner strength but a lack of power. Powerlessness to obtain or utilize something cannot be considered as sacrifice or abstinence. It is a state of dependence and helplessness.
Non-usage or non-possession of objects cannot be considered as sacrifice unless it is voluntary. How can helplessness be mistaken for abstinence?
Imagine that a person is sick, he has ulcers in his stomach and is suffering from indigestion. He cannot digest fatty foods like sweets, milk or dry fruits. The doctor has warned him that if he eats any of these things, his ailments will only increase and it would be all the more difficult to take care of his health. Therefore, he eats only simple food.
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