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Non-possessiveness - a universal framework
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following pañcaśīla for thousands of years. The political pañcaśīla is a lot similar to the Buddhist, Jaina and Vedic pañcaśīla.
Whether the progress of humanity is in the hands of kings or monks, it is possible only through co-existence and not through atomic experiments - this is the ultimate truth.
Mahāvīra stated that disputes and wars between nations can be resolved by non-violence. His goal was to spread the ideal of non-possessiveness thereby creating contentment in the 'self'. To be attracted to that which is not part of the 'self' is to be tempted to obtain the objects of luxuries in others' lives, he said.
The important thing is to set a limit. Ofcourse, your boundary must be realistic. If a rich man who has millions sets a limit for trillions, it is hardly in keeping with the principle behind the vow. In doing so, he is merely taking a name-sake vow of icchā parimāņa but not actually adhering to the primary aim of the vow. The point is to set a limit on need, desire and greed.
The implication is that where there is desire, greed and attachment, there is possessiveness, whether the objects of possessiveness exist or not. Where there is no attachment, even if objects are as many as possessed by an emperor, there is no possessiveness. Therefore the Acāryas say that even if monks possess objects, they are not possessive of them. As stated by Lord Mahāvīra, “Attachment is possessiveness."
Possessiveness, accumulation, avarice, desire, greed, attachment and delusion - all these are synonyms. Just as fat added to fire inflames it further, so also accumulation and possessiveness ignite the flames of avarice.
Which are the areas of life where we see maximum possessiveness? My wealth, my family, my position, my strength, my language - this notion of me and mine is born from possessiveness. Materialism is the primary target of possessiveness. Man accumulates objects and wealth to protect himself. But, do they really protect us? Mahāvīra has stated that wealth can never protect anyone. The desire for wealth and power causes delusion in man's mind. Wealth gives birth to desire and
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