ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

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

Page 51

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--- - - - --- - - -- - - - - --- - living). Cetana parigraha means attachment to all living beings such as wife, children, servants etc., jada praigraha means attachment to all lifeless objects such as clothes, house, money, jewellery etc. Abhyantara parigraha is sub-divided into 14 types which are wrong notions, attachment for sex, laughter, affliction, fear disgust etc.
In this way we can say that in Jainism, parigraha, having such wide ranging implications, needs to be curbed and controlled. Without such control social and individual progress is impossible.
Aparigraha in Buddhism
Buddhism is a significant part of Sramanic tradition and without a culture of renunciation; Buddhism cannot be placed in Sramanic tradition. Although, aparigraha is not included in the pancasila (fivefold scheme of principles of morality, but it occupies a significant role in the code of conduct of the Buddhist monks and nuns. In Khuddakapätha, there are 10 training rules (dasa sīlas) are described for the monks and nuns. In which rule number 2, 8, 9 and 10 are just like the Jain concept of aparigraha. Here in rule number 2, a monk/nun undertakes the percept to refrain from taking that which is not given." In rule number 8, he/she undertakes the percept to refrain from wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics, in rule number 9, he/she undertakes the percept to refrain from living on a high or luxurious sleeping place and in rule number 10, he/she undertakes the percepts to refrain from accepting gold and silver (money).***
Buddha declares parigraha (possession) as an obstacle for the path of dharma. He says, "One, who has destroyed every resting-place of the mind, for whom there is no grasping, who covets nothing either in this world or in the other, Tathāgata deserves the oblation. The Buddha again says that he would not call a person Brahmana merely because he was born out of Brahmaņa mother's womb....One, who is free from all kind of possessions, he would call him a Brahmana.26
In this way we can say that there is an important place of aparigraha in Buddhism also.
Aparigraha in Christianity
From Christian perspective-Coveting our neighbour's goods or our neighbour's spouse is a form of parigraha. Throughout Jesus 'ministry he warned his followers to be content with what they had to give to all who ask, and not to lay up treasure on earth but rather to lay up treasure in heaven. His parable of the rich fool highlights the danger of prioritizing possessions over God. 27
ask, and histry he warned hier our neighbou
Are Aparigraha and Meditation.... 43
Parigraha is an important virtue for a man in Christianity. The parable that most directly commends this virtue is: "Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.' But he said to him, 'Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions."28 Jesus remarked to his disciples, "Believe me, a rich man will find it very difficult to enter the kingdom of