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Perfect fulfillment of the ideal of non-possession requires that man should live like the birds, have no roof over his head, no clothing and no stock of food for the morrow. He will indeed need his daily bread, but it will be God's business, and not his to provide it, only very few can reach this ideal.
Aparigraha and Ahimsa:
Aparigraha and Ahimsa may be said to be the two sides of the same coin. Both together lead us to social welfare and world- peace. The results of a non-violent and non-possessive lifestyle are:
(a) The development of sensitivity: (b) Control of ecological pollution;
(c) Continual growth of friendship with living beings. Even Mahatma Gandhi commenting on modern Civilization has said that it is a nine days wonders!
Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and voluntary reduction of wants. This alone promotes real happiness and contentment, and increases the capacity for service. 16
The attitude of Aparigraha is that of protecting each other, enjoying the things together, endeavouring together, not envying other, becoming radiant together thus leading to social welfare and peace.
Sahanavavtu sahanaubhunaktu sahavirayam karavava hai | Tejaswinavadhitamastu ma vivdvisava hai ||
The conflicts between individual and society, society and nation, between the nation and another nation arise from selfishness. Non-possession develops compassion, co-operation, co-existence, contentment and tolerance. Non-possession and non-violence together in practice as well as Anekantavada in thinking will bring world peace.
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