ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

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

Page 47

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momentary happiness, and, after a short while, starts feeling unhappy again. This is circular route/pattern. Where science and technology have failed to fulfill that emptiness; that's where spirituality begins. Spirituality helps to break the circular route/pattern and shows the linear pattern by digging deep into finding the root cause of the unhappiness and emptiness and providing a solution to overcome it. As Shrimad Rajchandra says: "In absence of understating the true nature of soul, I experienced endless suffering. I bow to the graceful Guru, who explained the true nature of soul."2
2600 years ago, Lord Mahāvīra has rightly observed "the more you get, the more you want; your greed increases."According to Jainism, the root of all mental and physical suffering is the desire for worldly enjoyment. Therefore, only detachment from worldly enjoyment can put an end to suffering. All the spiritual traditions e.g. Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are agreed on this point.
In order to attain detachment, one has to take a different root. This root is known as the selfrealisation rout. There are multiple ways suggested by the different faiths to attain selfrealisation. However, this paper will particularly discuss the core principle of aparigraha within Jainism and meditation as penance; will help to find everlasting happiness by realizing one's true "self."
In order to attain self-realisation; this paper will discuss the basic concept of aparigraha, yoga (meditation) and self-realization. It will also methodically examine the path of aparigraha and meditation for self-realization. Finally, the paper will determine whether or
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dhrampur
Are Aparigraha and Meditation.... 39
not aparigraha and meditation are mutually exclusive or inclusive, through an examination of examples from canonical text or from historical data and present social example.
Self-realisation
Merriam Webster's dictionary defines self-realization as 'fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality'. In one overview, Mortimer Adler defines selfrealization as 'freedom from external coercion, including cultural expectations, political and economic freedom, and the freedom from worldly attachments and desires etc.' In the Indian understanding, Self-realization is liberating knowledge of the true Self, as the permanent, undying ātman. It is knowledge of the true self beyond both delusion and identification with material phenomena. It refers to self-identification and not mere ego identification. In order to be happy and blissful and overcome emptiness, self-realisation is a must. Self-realization is considered the gateway to mokşa, i.e. liberation freedom from rebirths."
In Jainism self-realization is one of the major pre-requisites to attain ultimate enlightenment and liberation (mokşa). Self-realisation means peeling away fabricated layer of own personality to understand the true self and hence the true nature of reality. In Jainism karma is portrayed as invisible particles of subtle matter that adhere to a living organism or jīva. These particles come together to form a film of negativity and darkness around the soul that obscures the true consciousness and evil karmic matter into the soul (asrava) leading the