YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

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Questionnaire
Before experiment
1. What is your opinion on the principle of Aparigraha?
After experiment
1. What particular features of this experiment did you find useful? e.g. the discipline it imposed; the follow-up discussion; etc.
2. Do you think that the Jain principle of Aparigraha is useful in everyday life? Is it practical in modern western society?
3. Did you find it difficult to decide between the need and comfort categories? can you think why? In future, do you think it will be easier to distinguish your needs?
4. Were there any major practical difficulties in implementing this experiment? If so, could you explain?
Results of experiment
Approximately fifteen people performed the experiment. The general result was that it was a very difficult experiment although many admitted it was an eye-opener.
1. Most people did not watch TV or listen to the radio during the period - in fact, one young participant found that this meant he had nothing to do but homework!
2. A few participants washed their own clothes - and discovered that they had yet to master the art of washing! It is a difficult and tiring task.
3. Many minimized the use of cars - this meant that they were stranded at home during the weekend and couldn't go anywhere - they found this very difficult.
4. One participant took the vows at the beginning and followed them very seriously. Although he found the going hard, at the end, he felt a tremendous sense of relief and of achievement.
5. One participant felt that it was lonely to do the experiment since other members of the household were not doing it and she could not talk to them about it. Some felt the conflict of disrupting other people's plans owing to their own vows. It was generally agreed that in such an event, the spirit of the experiment should be followed a good reason why it is important that all participants have a good prior knowledge of Jainism.
An example of this conflict is where say one's parents cannot drive and they need one's help to do the weekly shopping or where someone else wants to watch TV in the room where the participant is sitting.
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