ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 221

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
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OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
STUDIES
observance of all the moral rules becomes spontaneous, coming from within and not being an imposition from without. The problems of human life arise out of various factors, which can be classified under the following board heads:
。 Scarcity
Injustice
O Ignorance
Selfishness
Scarcity
In spite of the great strides of science and technology we know that humanity suffers from scarcity. Science tries to solve this problem in its own way by inventing tools for increasing production, by importing means of comforts and luxuries, and by developing new means of fighting against the furies of nature. But we know that apart from the scarcity caused by natural circumstances, there is also an artificial scarcity created by indulgence into such selfish tendencies as hoarding and profiteering not only by individuals but by nations also, trying to expend and wanting to occupy others territories by force.
"The greater the possessions, the greater the happiness" is the motto of many. Jainism teaches us quite the opposite: "the lesser the possessions the greater the happiness". Happiness comes from what we are and not from what we possess. We should realize the blissful nature of the self, become free and be not the selves of worldly objects. This puts an end to the struggle for wealth and other possessions. For those who can reach the highest stage of monkhood, scarcity becomes a self-imposed virtue followed voluntarily in pursuance, of complete freedom from bondage; for those who cannot attain that height, limitations of possessions, coupled with a sense of detachment towards what one has, is recommended. The idea behind the vow of non-possession is not a morbid feeling of selfmortification but a sense of, and belief in the inherent bliss of the self.
The answer of Jainism to the problem of scarcity is; be not attached to the worldly objects; be not their selves; turn to the self within wherefrom comes the true happiness. Has does not imply a life of inertia, but that a contemplation and contentment.
What is true of the individual is true of the nations. The glorifications of a king who desire to conquer others territory (vijigisu), through very common in other ancient Indian literature, is
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0