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urge for more. The basic culture of self-restraint is highly relevant in the contemporary world. To make non-possession applicable in social field, Mahavira defines it in a way that suits householders. He says that for a social living being, total freedom from desires is not possible, so he starts reducing desires gradually by limiting them. This is the social form of non-possession.
Mahavira said that the root cause of all social ills is inequality, be they economic or educational or health or opportunities to excel or to use one's potential fully. To remove this inequality, the HAVES i.e. rich, educated and powerful people of society should limit their desires, put a limit to their indulgences, and free the abundant wealth and money for use by others. This involves:
Creating a surplus of wealth by strenuous effort, Conserve use or expenditure through self restraint, Share the surplus with the society for their wellness.
The first principle i.e. create a surplus by strenuous effort is the very essence of Jains. A human being is expected to be free from laziness and disinterest in the vows, else one binds harmful karmas and causes violence. One of the characteristics of a spiritual awakened is his incessant efforts for progress to enhance the level of his spiritual awakening till the state of Jina state is attained. Then Jina starts sharing his experience and wealth (knowledge and Bliss) with others, feeling himself as a custodian/trustee of wealth i.e. bliss and omniscience.
Therefore, implicit in the Jain concept of Aparigraha, is the philosophy of conservation of natural environment and avoidance of their over exploitation and wasteful consumption. Mahavira clearly says that all human races of the world are having similar infinite individual souls. So none is superior or inferior, all the social and sectarian divisions are the creation of the perverted mind. To sum up non-possession is -
1.
Control of desires i.e. acquisitiveness / Desire / Greed of worldly objects
Pg.258 Gandhi & Jainism
