YJA Convention 2012 07 Tampa FL Tenth 027618

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

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Attachment to the World By Anisha Jain
Have you ever signed on Facebook to
take a break from work and find yourself still on Facebook two hours later? If yes, then you can understand how much of a shock and disappointment it is to realize how much time you have wasted just checking out photos from some party and commenting on peoples' status messages. Not to mention you have now accumulated a new kind of stress to finish that project or study for that test tomorrow because you have even less time.
Don't worry, this happens to everyone. If you are not addicted to Facebook, then maybe you enjoy long conversations on the phone or text messaging. Maybe computer games or video games intrigue you with their irresistible challenge to beat the next level. Maybe the drama in Indian serials like 'Choti Bahu commit you to the TV day after day in hopes of learning the solution to the next conflict or mystery. We all have some sort of materialistic possession, whether it is a computer, television, iPod, or cell phone, in which our ability to control ourselves is not to our advantage.
"Well what's the big deal if I have an inclination to spend all of my time on something?" Good question. The big deal is that through this process, we are attaching ourselves to the world more and more without even realizing it. With our excessive dependence on materialistic possessions, we begin to rely on them to satisfy an insatiable craving.
In order to control our desires and obsessions with such inclinations, Aparigraha should be practiced. The concept of Aparigraha can be defined as detachment from material objects, people, and places; the practice of not collecting unnecessary items and avoiding over-indulgence. Aparigraha does not only include preventing an addiction of a certain
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activity, it also includes abstaining from an excessive amount of clothes, jewelry, video games, and toys.
Jainism teaches all of its disciples to eventually detach themselves from this world and achieve moksh. As householders, many of us are not in any position to do this but there are certain steps we can all take to at least to follow the basic idea. First of all, we should all go through our closets and take out everything that hasn't been worn for at least 6 months to a year. You will have a lot more room in your closet and you will feel good knowing that you made someone else's life better. Secondly, if you have a shelf of books or a library somewhere in the house, it may be nice to go through the books that you know you will not be needing anymore and donate them to a local library or a children's hospital. Lastly, if you like to use your garage or attic like a storage space like I do, then spending a couple of afternoons cleaning it out is also a good way to free yourself from some attachment.
We all know
pastimes such as computers, television, and video games, are a great way to take a break from a long day of work or school. If possible though, it may be advantageous for you to be aware of how much time you are spending in all of these activities. Just by being aware, you may find yourself indulging in these activities less. When we depend on something less, our happiness no longer depends solely on that thing and we find true happiness from inside. This way, not only will you be enjoying all of the pleasures in life, but you will also be practicing Aparigraha, which will lead to a more simple, peaceful and happy way of life.
YJA CONVENTION 2012 | Tampa, FL