अहिंसा - अपरिग्रह
By शुभू पटवा
Summary
The text examines the relationship between non-violence (ahimsa) and non-attachment (aparigraha), arguing that achieving a non-violent society requires addressing attachment to possessions. It states that violence often stems from possessiveness, and while an individual may reduce attachment, a society entirely free of it seems difficult. The text notes that even the body is considered a form of attachment in Jain philosophy, which distinguishes the soul from the body. Reducing attachment to the body is linked to less suffering and greater happiness. If individuals adopt this perspective, social equality could emerge, potentially leading to a society free from possessiveness and violence. The root of organized violence, including terrorism and social revolt, is identified as inequality and lack of discrimination, fueled by deprivation and desperation. The text suggests that a non-violent society must be free from possessiveness. It presents Acharya Mahapragya’s view that for householders, aparigraha means limiting desires. He proposes two conditions: using pure means to earn wealth, without limiting the amount, and setting a limit on personal consumption, with excess wealth used for society. This is compared to Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship, which emphasizes pure means, honest conduct, and equal sharing of wealth and income between workers and management. The text recalls an incident where Gandhi returned money donated by Satish Chandra Dasgupta, valuing the donor’s intellect and character over the funds, demonstrating a rare detachment. It concludes that while India has a legacy of such leadership, it has been neglected. To build a society centered on equality and coexistence, one must look to this tradition. Acharya Mahapragya advocates for a balanced development encompassing economic, physical, moral, and spiritual growth, ensuring economic progress does not undermine moral and spiritual values. The text stresses the need to align policies with these values and bridge the gap between words and actions to foster a non-violent lifestyle.
Conclusion
The document's analysis of aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and its link to ahimsa (non-violence) has profound implications for social structure. It argues that violence stems from attachment and inequality, suggesting that a truly non-violent society requires a shift from individual detachment to a collective ethic of limited desire and ethical wealth acquisition. The synthesis of Acharya Mahaprajna's concept of *iccha-pariman* (limitation of desire) with Gandhi's trusteeship model offers a practical outcome: a society where economic activity is guided by purity of means and a sense of social trusteeship, not personal indulgence. This framework directly addresses root causes of organized violence, such as disparity and unethical competition. Ultimately, the text concludes that achieving a peaceful, equitable society is not a utopian dream but a tangible possibility, contingent on a conscious revival of these ethical and spiritual values in both personal conduct and public policy.