Aparigraha Anasakti Yog

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Aparigraha Anasakti Yog" by Amarmuni, based on the given pages:

The text "Aparigraha Anasakti Yog" by Amarmuni emphasizes the profound importance of Aparigraha (non-possession) and Anasakti (non-attachment) as a path to spiritual development and inner peace within the Jain tradition.

Core Argument:

The fundamental premise is that the excessive accumulation of material possessions (parigraha) suppresses the soul and obstructs its path to growth and self-realization. True spiritual progress, therefore, necessitates the practice of Aparigraha.

Scriptural and Inspirational Support:

• Uttamadhyayan Sutra: Quoting from the fourth chapter, the text highlights Lord Mahavir's teaching that wealth offers no true refuge in this world or the next. Attachment to material things creates a "darkness of delusion" that blinds one to the righteous path. Only by renouncing the sense of "mine-ness" (mamatva vritti) can one truly practice the path of Dharma.
• Shankaracharya: His quote, "Artham anartham bhavay nityam" (Consider wealth as a source of misery always), underscores the detrimental nature of material pursuit.
• Sant Tukaram: He states that excessive affection for wealth should be renounced like beef.
• Vinoba Bhave: Bhave powerfully critiques the worship of money, calling it a "demon" that torments and prevents peace, urging people to stop idolizing it.

The Nature and Consequences of Parigraha (Possessiveness):

• Origin of Sins: The text identifies hoarding, accumulation, and capitalism as the root cause of many modern sins. From the poorest to the richest, individuals are engrossed in accumulation. Without controlling this tendency, even observing vows will not lead to genuine spiritual development.
• Detrimental Effects: Parigraha is described as:
  • The generator of Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Mana (pride), Maya (deception), and Lobha (greed).
  • A destroyer of the Kalpa-vriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) of Dharma.
  • A poisonous worm that consumes virtues like justice, forgiveness, contentment, and humility.
  • A destroyer of Samyak-darshan (right faith).
  • A killer of Samyama (self-control), Sanvara (prevention of influx of karma), and Brahmacharya (celibacy).
  • A generator of the fear of birth, old age, and death.
  • An obstacle in the path to Moksha (liberation).
  • A source of worry and sorrow.
  • A waterer of the poisonous creeper of thirst.
  • A storehouse of deceit and a home of suffering.

Practicing Aparigraha (Non-Possession):

• Vow of Limitation (Parigraha Pariman Vrat): The text discusses the vow of limiting possessions, emphasizing that it's not about making nominal vows with loopholes. The true spirit is to gradually reduce possessions. This vow becomes potent only when one consistently decreases their belongings.
• Necessity for Societal Harmony: The practice of Aparigraha is deemed essential for creating a happy human society and freeing it from conflicts.
• The Root Vow: Aparigraha is listed as one of the five Mula Vratas (root vows) (along with Ahimsa, Satya, Achaurya, and Brahmacharya), which are the foundation of the "tree of Dharma." Other practices like Samayika and Tap are considered "Utra Vratas" (secondary vows) that are most beneficial when practiced alongside the root vows.

The True Meaning of Parigraha and Renunciation:

• "Murchha Parigrahah" (Attachment is Possession): Lord Mahavir clarifies that true parigraha is not the mere possession of physical objects like clothing but the attachment or "murchha" (infatuation/obsession) towards any object.
• Renunciation of Attachment, Not Just Objects: The text challenges the notion that renouncing external objects constitutes true renunciation. It argues that one cannot truly renounce what was never truly "theirs" in the first place, as the soul is conscious and objects are inert. The real renunciation is the renunciation of "mamata" (sense of mine-ness) and "raag" (attachment/affection) towards these objects.
• Inner State is Key: True Aparigraha is an inner state where one remains detached and unaffected by the body, even while living in it. This is the state of being "dehatit" (beyond the body) even while inhabiting it.
• Gradual Practice for Ordinary Sadhaks: While the ultimate goal is the complete renunciation of attachment, ordinary practitioners may need to gradually renounce unnecessary and unusable external objects to facilitate this inner journey. External possessions can become a "rope" binding the ordinary person. Therefore, the renunciation of objects is also considered part of the practice.
• Focus on Both Substance and Attitude: The text concludes by stating that contemplating Aparigraha requires consideration from both the perspective of 'Dravya' (substance/external objects) and 'Bhava' (attitude/inner state). Even if an object is outwardly relinquished, if attachment to it remains, it still constitutes parigraha.

In essence, "Aparigraha Anasakti Yog" presents a profound philosophical understanding of possession and attachment, urging individuals to cultivate inner detachment from material things as the fundamental path to spiritual liberation and a life free from suffering.