Aaj Ke Jivan Me Aparigraha Ka Mahattva

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Aaj ke Jivan me Aparigraha ka Mahattva" (The Importance of Non-Possessiveness in Today's Life) by Dr. Hukamchand Jain:

This article, "The Importance of Non-Possessiveness in Today's Life," by Dr. Hukamchand Jain, argues that excessive attachment to and accumulation of possessions (Parigraha) is the root cause of many personal and societal ills in modern life.

The author begins by acknowledging that humans are social beings who require various material things to live. However, the problem arises when individuals expand their desires rather than controlling them, leading them down wrong paths. This is where Parigraha-vritti (the tendency towards possessiveness) is born, initiating a cycle of mental disturbances rooted in insatiable desire (Trishna). The text cites the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, stating that even endless mountains of gold and silver would not satisfy a greedy person, as desire is as infinite as the sky.

The article highlights that profit often fuels greed, which in turn amplifies possessiveness. When this possessiveness crosses limits, individuals become slaves to violence, theft, and falsehood to acquire more. Those who help foster this possessiveness are seen as friends, while those who try to curb it become enemies, leading to intensified anger and a willingness to commit atrocities. This possessiveness is the source of numerous sorrows and constant mental distress, exemplified by the story of Somaprabha Brahmin in the Rayanchandrayacharyam, who suffered mental anguish while seeking wealth for his sensual desires.

The primary driver of excessive possessiveness is an attachment-laden mental state. This leads to an unhealthy emphasis on unnecessary accumulation, harming both individual mental health and social harmony. On a societal level, this hoarding creates artificial demand, inflating prices and making basic necessities inaccessible to the common person. This exacerbates the gap between the rich and the poor, fostering economic inequality, exploitation, and corruption.

The text emphasizes that basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter are fundamental. If these were readily available to everyone, much of human suffering could be alleviated. However, those with Parigraha-vritti create artificial scarcity, driving up prices and causing widespread suffering. This possessiveness also manifests as profiteering, where individuals prioritize immense profit over the well-being of society. This is often driven by an insatiable desire for luxury and pleasure, leading to the accumulation of wealth.

Furthermore, Parigraha-vritti destroys mental capacity and peace. It fosters attachment and aversion, distorting social adjustment and preventing individuals from pursuing their true self-interest due to a lack of equanimity. This inner turmoil makes it difficult to accept higher thoughts and is the underlying cause of addictions.

On an international level, the article points out that the pursuit of power (Shakti-sangraha), another form of possessiveness, is a major cause of conflict and tension between nations. Nations strive to expand their territories and belittle others due to ideological differences, leading to wars and the accumulation of destructive weapons like atomic bombs and armies. The article argues that national ego, much like individual ego, drives the exploitation of other nations, making their own nation paramount.

In conclusion, the article asserts that Parigraha-vritti is the fundamental cause of most human vices. To achieve human development, it is imperative to eradicate this tendency for the betterment of both individuals and society. Jain philosophy, recognizing the severity of this vice, advocates for Samyakcharitra (right conduct), which should be accompanied by Samyagdarsana (right faith) and Samyagjnana (right knowledge). For householders, the principle of Parigraha-parimanavrata (vow of limited possession) is prescribed, which can lead to both personal peace and social development. Therefore, the author concludes, Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) holds immense importance in our lives.