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LIVE SIMPLY SO THAT OTHERS MAY SIMPLY LIVE
Anila Mahendra Shah explains the concept of Aparigraha,
First Printed in Young Jains Nairobi Newsletter
SIA
The Jain principle of aparigraha teaches us to have
voluntary control on our desires for worldly I objects of enjoyment and thus restricting our possessions to the minimum. However, it does not forbid an individual to fulfil his basic needs for normal living in a society. The question of normal living for an individual is subjective, i.e., where does one draw a line; as today the relevance and importance of aparigraha has been completely taken over by the consumeristic attitudes, being greatly fed by the rapid advancement of modern science and technology. There is no doubt that technology has done a great service to mankind by providing amenities of pleasant, comfortable living and the
scientific discoveries have
omo enabled man to master Nature. Unfortunately, these achievements have also turned man into a selfish being - open to temptation for more possessions, power and wealth. This desire to accumulate more and arousing attachment to them is called parigraha? Desires have no end. For every desire that is satisfied, there remain ten more that are denied. It is a vicious circle as one man's consumption becomes his neighbour's wish'. Thus, in our mad rush to possess, we, ourselves become possessed. We become 'slaves' of our possessions, whether of material things or cherished ideas and ideologies. We get easily accustomed and attached to this 'slavery' and end up liking it. However, we forget that all objects of the world are transitory, constantly changing in form and in qualities. They are also changing hands; their possessors. This is the reality of life. The idea of possession is, in fact, illusory but we like to remain in an illusion of 'joy forever'. That is why when our possessions change hands or do not remain as they are, we suffer, become unhappy, angry, selfish, greedy, violent, etc.
Hence, the root cause of such miseries, is attachment towards worldly objects and lust for their enjoyment. Attachment is born out of 'mineness', which ultimately binds the soul. Lord Mahavira in Utaradhyayana Sutra has said, "Where there is inner desire for material gain and possession of worldly objects of enjoyment, there is greed." Today Man is under the powerful grip of greed and thus,
acts under the pressures of modernisation. Material pursuits are responsible for his present unrest and sense of insecurity. Limitless desires have caused mankind to lose the moral sense of respect for others and service to the needy. The principle of Aparigraha rightly emphasises the necessity to curtail our desires. This can be done only if we discipline our wants and remember to "live simply so that others may simply live' In this simplification drive, we should gradually: • Make our needs fewer
than our desires.
Make our demand for things fewer than our needs. Develop a natural habit of being with oneself so that
material abundance loses its attraction. • Live a simple life for better goals like religious
devotion, humanitarian service, environmental
activism, etc., that are fulfilling and enriching. Ironically look at our own Jain community; born to believe in the principle of aparigraha, it has also succumbed to the current trend of showing off affluence. An individual's wealth gets the best chance to display itself in eye catching decorations, variety of food, clothing etc. in social functions like weddings, birthdays etc. The standards have changed now and the outlook towards life & the life-style is evolving - 'earn more and spend more'.
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It was the opposite for Mahatma Gandhi. Though a great political leader, he had no parigraha'. He can be credited to have practised whatever he preached to others. Mahatma taught the world that limitations of desires & restraint of possessions, simple living & high
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