Jain Spirit 2001 12 No 09

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 44

YOUTH
JUNGLE ADVENTURE PROVES APARIGRAHA
JUNGLE ADVENTURE
PROVES APARIGRAHA
Anish A. Shah learnt from his South American expedition that simple
living is indeed high living
Anish's friend Saf holding a baby crocodile
T TRAVELLED FOR MONTHS WITH A BACKPACK THE SIZE OF A SMALL
suitcase and stayed in very basic accommodation such as a tent
in the middle of the jungle or a room with just a bed and no other furnishing. In England I would be concerned about whether my clothes looked trendy and fashionable and be pre-occupied with creature comforts such as a sofa or television. From my travels 1 discovered that I could be just as content if all I had was a roof over my head, a place to sleep and clothes to protect me from the elements. I also realised that human beings can easily adapt and be content in an environment where the modern day comforts and excesses that we crave for are not available.
My jungle trek also tested the principle of aparigraha (non-materialism). On this jungle trek our guide taught us how various plants and trees could be used to obtain fresh water, healthy food and medicine. This was a truly fantastic experience and it proved how one could feel completely content even if only the most basic possessions and resources for survival are at your disposal. Furthermore, our guide had lived and worked in La Paz, one of Bolivia's major cities, and then decided to give up his better material standard of living and become a guide and live in the jungle. He said he had never been happier.
In fact, the vast majority of local people I encountered throughout my journey in South America did not even have a fraction of the money or possessions that we had. However, they seemed much more relaxed, friendly and generally happier than people in supposedly more developed countries. From these experiences, I strongly believe that aparigraha makes sense in modern life. The primary goal of human beings, whether it be many centuries ago or in modern life, is to ensure and enhance their physical and mental health and well-being. I discovered through my expedition that both could be attained much more easily through applying the principle of aparigraha rather than fulfilling the desire to acquire more possessions.
In terms of physical health so many of today's illnesses are due to the excesses in the consumption of food and drink. Through applying aparigraha you would consume only what you need and in all probability lead a longer and happier life. This point of view is backed up by many schools of thought including our Jain religion. They clearly state that regular fasting is considered one of the best ways to cleanse and detoxify the body.
What about mental well-being? If one were content with only the minimal amount of possessions then there would be more time to connect and bond with others, as there were fewer possessions with which to occupy the time. For example, instead of spending the time watching movies on a new DVD player, one could spend more time with friends and family or with people in need of help and support. Furthermore, by applying aparigraha to one's life there will be less need to work long hours to earn money to acquire new possessions and more time can be spent with others. It is a sad fact that there are many professional people with huge salaries who share the common grievance of having no time to spend with the people they care for. They seem to be overwhelmed by the task of earning and accumulating wealth.
To conclude, I would love to say that since my travels I am now living a more simple and fulfilling life based on the principle of aparigraha. The reality is that I feel I am already falling into a trap by looking for a career that will in the long run earn me a good salary to fulfil my materialistic desires. This is unfortunately the result of the strong social conditioning that makes the majority of us perceive and define success in largely monetary terms. Despite this, I have confidence that as I reflect in years to come on my incredible experiences in South America, the principle of aparigraha will be strengthened in my thoughts and actions and bring me ever closer to the goal of permanent happiness Anish Shah graduated in Management Science from the University of Manchester (UMIST) and took a year out after his degree.
40
Jain Spirit . December 2001 - February 2002