तृष्णा का अंत कहां?
By साध्वी डॉ. उज्ज्वलयशा
Summary
The article, authored by Sadhvi Dr. Ujjwalyasha, explores the concept of greed (lobha) and attachment (parigraha) as fundamental obstacles to spiritual progress. It opens with a story of Indra testing humans by granting wishes in a marketplace. While most people sought material gains, a single ascetic refused, stating that human life and self-contentment are the greatest treasures, and his goal is detachment (veetaragata). The text asserts that conquering passions (kashaya) is the ultimate aim of life, and without controlling them, virtues like simplicity and awareness are insufficient. Greed is described as more dangerous than a mosquito; a mosquito only drinks blood, but a greedy person can destroy entire families for wealth. The article details how a greedy person becomes obsessed with accumulating money, ignoring basic needs, ethics, and family bonds. The Prashnavyakaran Sutra lists thirty synonyms for parigraha, including accumulation, hoarding, excessive desire, and the root of conflict. This attachment is compared to a massive tree with endless desire as its root, passions as its trunk, and anxiety as its branches. The narrative includes a story of a king who, despite having an income of seven crores, sought to conquer another kingdom. A disciple of a non-attached yogi threw a gold coin at the king, calling him a true beggar because his greed was unending. The king realized his folly. The article notes that wars are historically fought over wealth, women, and land, citing examples like King Kunik's attack on his grandfather for an elephant and Aurangzeb's imprisonment of his father for the throne. Such actions blind one's conscience. In contrast, nature is presented as a model of non-attachment; rivers flow, and the sun gives back water through rain. A greedy person only takes and never gives. The article concludes that wealth never brings satisfaction, and the only cure for greed is the practice of contentment and non-attachment (shaucha), which leads to liberation from the demon of par
Conclusion
The document underscores that unchecked greed and attachment to material possessions are the root causes of personal suffering and societal conflict, leading to unethical actions and even war. It emphasizes that true contentment and spiritual progress are unattainable through accumulation, as desire is inherently limitless. The text advocates for the cultivation of detachment, self-control, and inner contentment as the only effective remedies against the destructive cycle of craving. Ultimately, it presents a clear moral imperative: liberation from the bonds of greed is essential for both individual peace and the betterment of the world, urging a shift from external acquisition to internal purification.