Aparigraha Aur Samajwad Ek Tulna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Aparigraha aur Samajwad: Ek Tulna" (Aparigraha and Socialism: A Comparison) by Saubhagyamal Jain:

The book begins by establishing that Lord Mahavir's philosophy is rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence). While Ahimsa is commonly understood as not taking the life of any creature, the author emphasizes that Lord Mahavir extended this to ideological Ahimsa through Anekanta (non-absolutism) and social and economic justice through Aparigraha (non-possession or non-attachment). The author asserts that Aparigraha is a thought (vichar), not a rigid doctrine or "ism" (vaad). Unlike "isms" that can become stagnant and narrow, a "thought" has the potential for continuous evolution and progressive interpretation as society advances.

The text then draws a comparison between Aparigraha and Socialism, highlighting their fundamental differences:

Aparigraha:

• Voluntary Control: Aparigraha is presented as a self-imposed, voluntary control over one's infinite desires. When individuals choose to control their desires, they feel a sense of fulfillment and believe they are fulfilling their duty to society and their own spiritual advancement.
• Inner Motivation: The proponents of Aparigraha, like Lord Mahavir and Mahatma Gandhi, lived by these principles themselves. This congruence between speech and action is crucial for its effectiveness. Lord Mahavir, despite his renunciation, lived a life of self-reliance and equanimity even during hardships, demonstrating that true Aparigraha leads to inner strength.
• Focus on Reducing Needs: The core principle of Aparigraha is reducing one's own needs and consumption. It encourages a simpler lifestyle and discourages the accumulation of possessions beyond necessity.
• Distinguishing Self from Non-Self: A fundamental aspect of the Jain concept of Aparigraha is the discrimination between the self (Atma) and the non-self (para). This extends to even considering the physical body as "non-self," leading to detachment and the practice of practices like Sallekhana (a vow of spiritual preparation before death) where attachment to the body is relinquished.
• Ancient Origin: Aparigraha is an ancient concept, predating even historical records, with its interpretation evolving over time.
• Success Due to Inner Transformation: Despite lacking legal enforcement, Aparigraha has been more successful because it relies on an internal, self-driven transformation of the individual.

Socialism:

• Externally Imposed Control: Socialism, in contrast, is characterized as a control imposed by law. When control is mandated, individuals tend to seek ways to circumvent it, viewing it as a compulsion.
• Gap Between Ideals and Practice: While early proponents of Socialism may have lived by its principles, the author argues that modern, politically influenced Socialism, particularly in India, suffers from a disconnect between its ideals and the lifestyles of its leaders and administrators. These leaders, despite advocating for Socialism, often live luxurious lives funded by taxpayers, undermining the movement's credibility.
• Focus on Controlling Expenditure and Increasing Production: Socialism aims to control expenditure and encourage increased production. The author suggests that this approach can lead to the creation of more needs and a greater emphasis on consumption as a measure of national prosperity.
• Limited Effectiveness: The author points to the observed outcome in India over 25-26 years, where despite socialist policies, the rich have become richer, and the poor have become poorer. This suggests a fundamental ineffectiveness in achieving its stated goals.
• "Remove Poverty" vs. Reality: The shift in government rhetoric from "remove poverty" to acknowledging the necessity of labor and that poverty cannot be magically eradicated highlights the practical challenges. However, the author stresses that leaders must also exemplify this by living simpler lives to inspire the populace.

Key Comparisons and Conclusions:

The fundamental difference lies in their approach to desire and consumption:

• Aparigraha inspires individuals to reduce their own needs through self-control.
• Socialism attempts to control consumption by limiting expenditure while often encouraging increased production, which can indirectly lead to greater desires and consumption.

The author concludes that while increased production is vital for a nation to ensure essential goods are available at reasonable prices, individuals must, in their personal lives, learn to reduce their own consumption and needs according to their circumstances. This self-imposed reduction is key to finding contentment and avoiding suffering due to deprivation. The text also touches upon the importance of detachment, equanimity in happiness and sorrow, and the responsibility that comes with leadership, likening the path of prominent individuals to that of a train on its tracks – deviation leads to disaster. The ultimate message emphasizes that true well-being and happiness stem from righteous conduct and the purification of the self from sin.