Aparagraha The Human Solution

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "Aparigraha the Human Solution" by Sagarmal Jain, focusing on the foreword:

The foreword, written by Dr. Sagarmal Jain, introduces "Aparigraha the Human Solution" as a timely and relevant response to the challenges of the modern age. It argues that while science and technology have brought numerous benefits and allowed humanity to master nature, this mastery has also revealed a "slave turned master" mentality. This has led to rampant selfishness, temptation, and a decline in spiritual and moral values like self-sacrifice and service.

The Core Problem: Parigraha (Accumulation) and its Consequences

The text identifies "parigraha," the desire to accumulate power and possessions beyond the minimum requirement, as the root cause of many societal ills. This limitless desire for wealth and power, as observed by Lord Mahāvīra, leads to a loss of respect for others, creating a stark division between the "haves" and "have-nots." This inequality erodes mutual faith and the sense of brotherhood. Furthermore, the insatiable desire for power and wealth fuels the arms race, specifically mentioning atomic weapons.

Aparigraha: The Humane Solution

In contrast to parigraha, the foreword presents aparigraha – the principle of non-possession and not accumulating beyond necessity – as a fundamental constituent of Lord Mahāvīra's philosophy and a core tenet of Jainism. While non-violence (ahimsa) is often emphasized, the text argues that aparigraha is the foundational principle. It posits that a violation of aparigraha automatically leads to the violation of other vows, as the lust for power and possession is at the root of violence and theft.

Aparigraha and the Eradication of Suffering

The foreword draws a parallel between Jainism and the Pātañjala-yoga system, both recognizing aparigraha as a crucial vow. It asserts that the root of all mental and physical suffering lies in the desire for worldly enjoyment. While materialism attempts to alleviate suffering by fulfilling desires, it fails to address the underlying cause. Materialism merely offers temporary appeasement, which paradoxically intensifies the yearning for possessions. The text quotes the Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, stating that even immense wealth cannot satisfy infinite human desire.

Defining Aparigraha and its Scope

Aparigraha does not advocate for abstaining from fulfilling basic needs like hunger and thirst. Instead, its fundamental message is to eradicate the desire for power, possessions, and sensuous enjoyments. It also highlights the importance of recognizing every living being's right to nature's bounty. The concept questions outright possession, as it inherently denies others their rightful access. The Mahābhārata is cited to support this, differentiating between using nature's gifts for necessity and hoarding them, which is deemed theft.

Universality of the Principle

The foreword emphasizes that Jainism is not alone in identifying attachment to worldly objects as the root of suffering. This is a shared belief across all spiritual traditions. Terms like "amurcha" (detachment) in the Daśavaikālika and the views of Umāsvāti and Amrtacandra in Tattvārthasūtra are referenced to support this. True non-possession, it is argued, lies not just in physical renunciation but in eradicating the attachment and the sense of "mineness" that binds the soul to material objects. This attachment distracts from the true self (soul) and fuels materialism.

The Vicious Cycle and Karma

The text delves into the concept of "granthi," a deep attachment and desire for enjoyment. The Jain concept of "Nigganthadhamma" and the term "Jaina" itself are linked to the unknotting of this "hrdaya-granthi" (heart's knot of attachment) and the conquest of passions. The cyclical relationship between delusion and desire is explained: delusion breeds desire, and desire reinforces delusion. Attachment and hatred are identified as the seeds of karma, with delusion as their source, ultimately leading to birth, death, and misery.

Aparigraha in Modern Context

The foreword concludes by positioning aparigraha as a crucial element of universal ethics, essential for restoring peace and harmony. It highlights its relevance to modern issues like consumerism, economic growth, and environmental preservation. The overconsumption and excessive possession characteristic of consumerism are presented as threats to the social and natural environment. Aparigraha, by advocating for limited consumption and acquisition, offers a solution.

The foreword then briefly outlines the structure and content of Dr. Kamla Jain's book, mentioning:

• Chapter 1: Discusses consumerism as an anti-human goal, its consequences, and the solution of "ichha-parimāna" (limiting desires). It stresses the coordination of science, technology, and economics with ethics.
• Chapter 2: Addresses environmental degradation, tracing the role of science and technology in controlling nature. It emphasizes intelligent use of nature's gifts, conservation, environmental education, and spiritual strength to resist exploitation. The book suggests a three-fold ethics: co-existence, contentment, and making the best use of available resources.

The foreword emphasizes that aparigraha is not an abstract philosophy but a practical vision for life, offering solutions to contemporary societal problems. It concludes by commending Dr. Jain's work as a significant contribution to socio-ethical studies and expressing confidence in its reception by scholars and researchers.