JAINA Convention 2013 07 Detroit MI

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 71

The Principle of Aparigraha
- Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai
Modern day materialism defines a successful and happy person as one with the many possessions, great wealth and high status. Through an understanding of the Jain principle of aparigraha, Pujyashri Gurudev enlightens us on what brings true contentment in life
others?' In response to this, the Wise say that because man has no authority over himself, he tries to make up for that 'lack of command', by ruling others. We wish to become independent by making others dependent on us. But we do not realise that dependence is on both sides; both parties get tied. Reigning over others cannot make us their owners; rather, it breeds sorrow. It is like attempting to quench one's thirst with fire!
A great deal has been spoken and written about aparigraha or non-possessiveness; however, we are incognisant of its true depth. No doubt, we talk of non-possessiveness with great respect and even worship the one who is non-possessive; yet, we remain unaware of its essence.
Possessiveness Leads to Slavery We become slaves to the ones we try to possess, we get bound to them. The seeds of slavery are hidden in the very desire to be the owner. And the reason for this is that our sense of ownership is dependent on them. If the ones we claim to own leave us, with them goes our ownership too. If our ownership is dependent on others, then how can we be called their owners? Deep reflection reveals how we get bound by them, how they become our owners.
Understanding Possessiveness How can we acquaint ourselves with the true significance of non-possessiveness? To understand what non-possessiveness is, one must first comprehend the meaning of possessiveness. Commonly, possessiveness is understood as the possession of objects. But the Enlightened Ones say that possessiveness is delusion. It does not mean having a collection of things; it is the feeling of being the owner of those things. The number of things' therefore does not determine an individual's possessiveness; it is the attitude he harbours towards those things, the way he relates to them that determines his possessiveness.
Our sense of ownership is not restricted to things alone, we display feelings of ownership even towards people. A husband tries to own his wife; a father his son; a teacher his student etc. This possessiveness is just another dimension of violence. Ownership implies possessiveness and where there is possessiveness, the relationship becomes violent. This is true because no one can own another without exercising violence by taking away his independence, by making the other a slave of his desires.
Once a mendicant entered a village. He saw a cow, tied by a rope, being led away by his owner. Seeing this, he asked the villagers, "Is this man tied to the cow or is the cow tied to this man?” The villagers replied in unison, "It is the cow that is tied to the man. The man is the owner; he is independent. The cow is owned, dependent and hence, a slave." The mendicant asked again, "If the cow runs away, will this man run after the cow?” The people replied, "Naturally, the man will run after the cow." He further asked, "If the man runs away, will this cow run after the man?" The ascetic clarified the underlying meaning of his question, "Consider carefully, who is really dependent on whom. The cow is tied to the man with a rope but the man is imperceptibly bound to the cow. He is the one who cannot let go of the cow. It is only with this subtle insight that it becomes evident that the man is bound to the cow and not vice-versa." The only difference between the owner and the owned is that the slavery of the one who is owned is visible and that of the owner
One may question, 'Why do humans want to control others? Why are they so interested in possessing
Jainism: The Global Impact
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