This Blessed Life

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided text from "This Blessed Life" by Nirmala Baid:

The text, "This Blessed Life" by Dr. Nirmal Baid, explores the Jain principle of non-possessiveness as a pathway to contentment and a fulfilling life. It argues that our insatiable desire to accumulate and cling to possessions stems from two primary sources: the fear of scarcity and the belief that happiness comes from external objects. Underlying both of these is ignorance of the true nature of things.

The author highlights how modern economies thrive on stimulating discontent, driving us to acquire more. This desire for possessions extends not only to material objects but also to people, thoughts, and ideas. Clinging to a fixed idea is presented as no different from clinging to a material object; the issue lies in the "tightness of our grip."

Key Concepts and Arguments:

• Non-Possessiveness: This principle applies to both our outer and inner worlds. It's not about discarding all possessions but about avoiding attachment and covetousness towards them. Jain philosophy recognizes the necessity of material objects for living but warns against developing an unhealthy dependence on them.
• Economic Inequality and Accumulation: Lord Mahavir recognized that economic inequality and the needless accumulation of goods not only defile the soul but also disrupt social life, leading to exploitation. His remedy was non-possessiveness, advocating for keeping only what is necessary and returning the surplus to society.
• Wantlessness: The text draws a parallel between spiritualism and economics in their pursuit of wantlessness. However, while economic satisfaction merely replaces one want with another, spiritual contentment through contentment leads to the cessation of wants.
• Non-Violence and Non-Possession: The author emphasizes the strong link between non-possession and non-violence. Limiting desires and accumulation naturally leads to non-violent behavior, as craving and clinging for more possessions are seen as the root of violence in thought, word, and deed. Mahavir stated that a person can be spiritual by renouncing both violence and possession.
• Contemplation of Causes: Our tendency to accumulate is rooted in fear of the unknown and a misplaced belief that our security lies in our possessions. By asking "What do we want by getting what we want?", we can trace desires back to the fundamental need for happiness, fulfillment, and peace of mind. The key is to ask what it takes to be happy right now, regardless of external circumstances.
• Contemplation of Fortunes: In the context of unprecedented wealth and consumption in some parts of the world, the text encourages recognizing our abundant lives and questioning the consumerist motto. It emphasizes that human life, particularly a human life with opportunities, is rare and a result of past good deeds. Mistaking good fortunes as something "owned" leads to disappointment, as these are temporary, governed by karma.
• Contemplation of Ignorance: Ignorance, or a lack of understanding of the true nature of things, fuels greed and fear, leading to possession. The text refutes the idea of random events or control by higher powers, asserting that Jains believe we are the absolute cause of our experiences through the theory of Karma. Our present is a reflection of our past, and our future is shaped by our present actions.
• Contemplation of Impermanence: Recognizing the constant change in all things is crucial. Our ignorance leads us to treat impermanent things as permanent, causing disappointment when we lose them. At the "moment of truth," possessions hold little value. Prosperity is tenuous and can be lost instantly. We should view prosperity as a means to a higher end and recognize our obligation to give back, rather than simply consume.
• Contemplation of Fulfilled Desires: Reflecting on past desires reveals that acquiring them did not necessarily bring lasting happiness. The happiness we seek originates from within, not from external possessions.
• Final Thought: Non-possessiveness is a vital vow for Jain householders. It requires non-judgmental self-observation of our possessiveness and its motivations. This principle is not achieved instantly but through a gradual, step-by-step process. By consistently contemplating our fortunes, the impermanence of things, and our ignorance, we can naturally live with non-possessiveness. The text concludes by encouraging readers to face advertisements with contentment and gratitude, allowing them to bypass the messages of lack.