Papnu Mul Parigraha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pap nu Mul Parigraha" (The Root of Sin: Accumulation) by Mansukhlal T. Mehta, based on the provided pages:

Core Argument:

The central thesis of the text is that Parigraha (accumulation/possessiveness) is the root cause of all sins and suffering in Jain philosophy. It argues that the desire to possess and the attachment to material possessions, both external and internal, leads to a cycle of unhappiness, mental affliction, and hinders spiritual progress.

Key Concepts and Definitions:

• Parigraha Defined: The word "Parigraha" is explained as encompassing the act of accepting or collecting things from all directions. In Jainism, it's linked to the vritti (tendency or inclination) and the mamata-buddhi (sense of "mine-ness"). The desire to accumulate or the act of hoarding possessions, driven by this sense of ownership, is identified as Parigraha.
• The Root of Sin: Jain scriptures unequivocally state that Parigraha is the fundamental source from which other sins arise. Seventeen out of the eighteen major sins (pap-sthanaks) are considered to originate from Parigraha in some form.
• Inner vs. Outer Renunciation: The text emphasizes that true renunciation is inner renunciation – the absence of attachment and desire, even if external possessions are present. External renunciation without inner detachment is considered incomplete and not truly virtuous.
• Murchha (Infatuation/Attachment) as Parigraha: Quoting Tattvartha Sutra, the text asserts that Murchha (infatuation, intense attachment, or delusion) is the essence of Parigraha. It's not merely the possession of wealth but the mental state of being "moha-grast" (overwhelmed by delusion) with those possessions.
• Parigraha as a Persistent "Planet": A striking metaphor likens Parigraha to a malevolent celestial body (graha) that, once it takes hold of a soul (in a particular "rashi" or state), never returns or relinquishes its grip. It's portrayed as a powerful force that deceives all three worlds.

Consequences and Manifestations of Parigraha:

• Suffering and Disappointment: The text states that attachment to impermanent things leads to suffering when they are lost or when even their attainment brings disappointment and dissatisfaction. This is akin to a dog mistaking its own blood for the source of the bone's taste.
• Mental Distortion: Possessions corrupt one's intellect. The text quotes scriptures and scholars to highlight how attachment to wealth can lead to vices like theft, violence, falsehood, deceit, lust, anger, pride, and distrust.
• Restlessness and Lack of Peace: Those caught in the web of Parigraha often experience sleepless nights and a lack of peace.
• Hindrance to Spiritual Growth: Parigraha obstructs spiritual progress by creating mental clutter and attachments that prevent the soul from realizing its true nature.
• Bondage of Karma: Parigraha leads to karma-bandha (the bondage of karma), trapping the soul in the cycle of birth and death.
• Societal Ills: Hoarding and excessive accumulation create scarcity in society, leading to further problems.

The Nature of Material Possessions:

• Impermanence: All worldly possessions are transient and will eventually be lost. The pursuit of these temporary items as sources of lasting happiness is futile.
• Triguna-prabhavita (Influenced by Three Gunas): All material objects are composed of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. While Sattva might offer a fleeting sense of pleasure, Rajas (activity/passion) and Tamas (ignorance/inertia) are inherently linked and contribute to suffering, even if hidden. Every pleasure derived from material objects ultimately carries the seeds of pain.
• No True Happiness in Wealth: The text explicitly states that true happiness is not found in piles of wealth but in contentment and self-realization.

The Path to Overcoming Parigraha:

• Inner Renunciation (Antar Tyag): This is the paramount form of renunciation, where one conquers internal desires and attachments.
• Controlled Accumulation (Parigraha Pariman): For those who cannot achieve complete renunciation, the practice of Parigraha Pariman (setting limits on accumulation) is essential. This involves limiting oneself to what is necessary.
• Discernment (Viveka): The ability to distinguish between the eternal and the ephemeral, the real and the unreal, is crucial. A discerning person does not develop desire even for objects that come their way.
• Detachment from Wealth: The text highlights the example of Punia Shravak, who discarded a golden pot created by a philosopher's stone, demonstrating that true value lies in detachment from material gain.
• Charity and Renunciation: While charity is praised, renunciation is considered superior. The text emphasizes that giving up desires is more significant than fulfilling them.
• Living Simply and Working Righteously: The example of Vinoba Bhave's analogy of the well suggests that honest effort and shedding unnecessary burdens are key. The text also critiques the modern trend of earning money through exploitative or unethical means.
• Self-Sufficiency and Contentment: True happiness comes from inner satisfaction, not from accumulating vast external wealth.
• The Ideal of Non-Possession (Aparigraha): The text advocates for the ideal of Aparigraha, where one lives without excessive accumulation, finding contentment in what is necessary.

Critique of Modern Society and the Jain Community:

The text sharply criticizes contemporary society, including within the Jain community, for its excessive emphasis on wealth and material possessions.

• Money Worship: Modern society has become a worshiper of money, equating wealth with success, prestige, and even divine favor.
• Commercialization of Religion: Religious institutions and practices are being reduced to fundraising events, with wealth dictating access and respect. This alienates the youth and undermines the true spirit of Dharma.
• Hypocrisy: The text points out the paradox of a community that espouses the principles of Aparigraha but actively pursues and honors accumulation.
• Loss of True Values: The pursuit of material gain has overshadowed the core values of ethical conduct, spiritual purity, and inner peace.
• Societal Disparity: The stark contrast between the opulence of the wealthy and the deprivation of the poor is seen as a direct consequence of unchecked accumulation.
• Health Issues: Overconsumption and a lack of physical labor, coupled with desires for gratification, lead to diseases, attributing this to an imbalance in Parigraha.

Conclusion:

"Pap nu Mul Parigraha" is a powerful admonition against the allure of material possessions. It urges readers to recognize the destructive nature of accumulation and to cultivate inner detachment, simplicity, and contentment. The text emphasizes that true liberation and happiness lie not in possessing more, but in relinquishing the very desire to possess. The ultimate goal is to purify the mind and soul from the grip of Parigraha, thereby eradicating the root of all sins and suffering.