Mamatva Visarjan Aparigraha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mamatva Visarjan Aparigraha" by Muditkumar:

Book Title: Mamatva Visarjan Aparigraha (Renunciation of Attachment: Non-Possession) Author: Mahashraman Muditkumar Publisher: Z_Mohanlal_Banthiya_Smruti_Granth_012059.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/211632/1

This text, from the Mohanlal Banthiya Smruti Granth series, focuses on the Jain concept of Aparigraha (non-possession) and the process of Mamatva Visarjan (renunciation of attachment), explaining its significance and application within the Jain spiritual path.

Key Concepts and Themes:

Stages of Spiritual Purity: The text begins by differentiating between a liberated soul (perfectly pure) and an embodied soul (not fully pure). Spiritual progress leads a soul towards complete purity, a state of Siddhahood, which requires the attainment of Kevalgyan (omniscience) beforehand.
Tirthankaras and Merit: While many souls attain Kevalgyan, only a few become Tirthankaras (spiritual guides who establish religious orders). Tirthankara status is achieved through the arising of exceptionally meritorious karmas. The text lists nine individuals from Lord Mahavir's time who earned Tirthankara name-karma, including:
- Shrenik: King of Magadh, destined to be the first Tirthankara of the next cycle.
- Suparshva: Lord Mahavir's uncle, to become the second Tirthankara.
- Udayi: Son of Konik, to become the third Tirthankara.
- Potil Angar: To become the fourth Tirthankara.
- Drudhayu: To become the fifth Tirthankara.
- Shankh and Shatak: Disciples of Lord Mahavir, destined to become the seventh and tenth Tirthankaras respectively.
- Shravika Sulta: A laywoman, destined to become the sixteenth Tirthankara.
- Shravika Revati: A housewife whose timely support helped Lord Mahavir recover from an illness, demonstrating the significant role of devotees.
Defining Parigraha (Possession): The core of the text lies in its explanation of Parigraha, identified as the fifth of eighteen cardinal sins.
- Definition: Parigraha is defined as the acquisition and protection of any object or being due to the feeling of Mamata (attachment/mine-ness). Even without physical possession, if there is attachment or Murchha (infatuation/clinging), it constitutes possession at the mental level.
- Types of Parigraha:
  - Antarang Parigraha (Internal Possession): This is primarily Raga Bhav (attachment or passion).
  - Bahya Parigraha (External Possession): This refers to the acquisition and collection of external objects driven by internal attachment.
- Primacy of Internal Possession: The text emphasizes that internal possession (Murchha) is the principal cause of bondage. Without Murchha, external objects do not acquire the label of "possession." The scripture "Dashavaikalik" states, "Murchha pariggaho vutto" (infatuation is called possession).
The Chain of Attachment (Sanga): Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the text illustrates how attachment to sensory objects leads to desire (Kama), then anger (Krodha), delusion (Sammoha), loss of memory (Smritivibhrama), destruction of intellect (Buddhinasha), and ultimately, the downfall of the soul.
Interplay of Internal and External Possession: While internal possession (Murchha) is the root cause of sinful bondage, external possessions can reinforce and strengthen this Murchha. Therefore, the renunciation of external possessions is also necessary. Conversely, if one is truly free from Murchha, they wouldn't feel the need to collect external objects unnecessarily. The text cautions against self-deception, where people claim internal detachment while continuing to accumulate possessions and indulge in sensory pleasures. True detachment is praiseworthy.
Aparigraha for Ascetics and Laypeople:
- Ascetics (Munis): Are completely non-possessive.
- Laypeople (Shravakas): Practice the vow of Ichchha Pariman (limitation of desires). They restrict their possession of nine types of external goods and, through this, strive to weaken internal attachment.
- Nine Types of External Possession for Laypeople: Land (Kshetra), buildings (Vastu), silver (Hiranya), gold (Suvarna), wealth (Dhan), grains (Dhanya), two-footed beings (Dwipad - servants etc.), four-footed beings (Chatushpad - cattle etc.), and household items/metals (Kupp - copper, brass etc., other household goods, vehicles etc.).
The Power of Wealth (Artha): Wealth is acknowledged as a form of power. However, it becomes problematic when it turns from a means to an end or leads to Anartha (misfortune). A quote by Bhikshu Grantharatnakar is cited, lamenting wealth that diminishes affection for loved ones, leads to fallen states, and causes unforeseen troubles.
Purity in Earning Wealth: The text stresses the importance of ethical means in acquiring wealth. Accumulating wealth through exploitation and then donating a small portion for fame is condemned. Emphasis is placed on the purity of the earning process, renouncing deceit and exploitation.
The Trader's Dream (Illustrative Example): A story of a greedy trader highlights the detrimental effects of unbridled ambition. The trader, obsessed with increasing his earnings, dreams of cheating a simple rural customer by overcharging and short-measuring cloth. The dream ends abruptly when the sound of tearing cloth awakens him, realizing he has torn his own dhoti. This vividly illustrates how the anxieties and unethical thoughts related to Parigraha can disrupt peace and lead to internal turmoil.
Practicing Aparigraha: To strengthen the practice of non-possession, the seeker must avoid feelings of liking and disliking towards sensory objects like sound, form, smell, taste, and touch. This requires continuous effort and contemplation.
Vows and Their Components: The text briefly mentions that the great vow of Aparigraha is perfected by renouncing possession of six types of objects (small, large, atomic, gross, animate, inanimate) through three ways of knowing (mind, speech, action) and three ways of acting (causing, assisting, approving). This leads to 54 sub-vows. The vow of abstaining from night-eating (Ratri bhojan viraman vrat) has 36 sub-vows derived from renouncing four types of food (solid, liquid, edibles, savories) with the same three ways of knowing and acting.

In essence, "Mamatva Visarjan Aparigraha" is a guide to understanding and practicing non-possession in Jainism, emphasizing the internal nature of attachment and its profound impact on spiritual progress, urging a disciplined approach to both inner feelings and external conduct.